Kershaw Returns: Luxury Reinforcement for the Dodgers
Los Angeles – Clayton Kershaw is set for his season debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The left-handed pitcher’s anticipated return is scheduled for Saturday against the Los Angeles Angels.
Kershaw, who is starting his 18th season with the team, was on the injured list while recovering from surgeries on his toe and knee. His return comes at a crucial moment for the Dodgers, who currently have starters Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow on the injured list.
It’s a big boost. Clayton has worked very hard to recover and the bar is high for him. He doesn’t just want to come back to be active. He wants to come back and help us win baseball games and be good. I know he’s excited to contribute.
Dave Roberts, Manager
In his latest rehab start with Triple-A Oklahoma City, Kershaw struck out two batters and allowed two runs on two hits and two walks. He threw 57 pitches in four innings.
The control last time wasn’t up to his standard or liking, but even so, he was very efficient, he got the swing and the miss. With Clayton’s return, it simply adds an element of certainty and performance.
Dave Roberts, Manager
As this weekend begins, the three-time Cy Young Award winner will tie Zack Wheat and Bill Russell for the most years with the Dodgers franchise. Kershaw and Russell are the only players who have played 18 seasons since the Dodgers moved to Los Angeles in 1958. Kershaw is the longest-tenured player on the current roster.
Kershaw is 32 strikeouts away from reaching 3,000 in his career, along with his 212 wins.
Last year, he made only seven starts before his season ended in August due to pain in his left big toe. He watched from the bench as the Dodgers defeated the New York Yankees to win their eighth World Series title.
