That sound you hear is Los Angeles Dodger fans breathing a sigh of relief. One, Clayton Kershaw has finally returned to the mound at Dodger Stadium. Two, the Dodgers look like they’re returning to what a team of their caliber should look like.
On Thursday, Kershaw made his season debut, against the San Francisco Giants. Kershaw had undergone shoulder surgery in November, and some wondered if he would actually return this season.
Yohan Ramírez was designated for assignment in the corresponding move.
Kershaw made only 24 pitches in the first two innings, but then needed 31 to get through the third, allowing 2 runs. He ultimately pitched a scoreless fourth before his day was done. 72 pitches, six hits and six strikeouts, with two walks. Overall, a pretty good return and start to his 17th major league season.
Kershaw‘s six strikeouts today were the most he has had in one game since June 2023, and he is now only 50 strikeouts away from 3000.
On this seven game home-stand, the Dodgers went 6-1 including a sweep of the Boston Red Sox. That is the exact inverse of how they went into the All Star break, where they lost six of their last seven.
The bottom of the lineup has started producing, and scored most of the runs in the last few games. Gavin Lux looks like finally has fully recovered from his knee surgery. Austin Barnes has been tearing it up, and Kiké Hernandez is showing out again.
They need to keep it going because they obviously still have Shohei Ohtani, Teoscar Hernandez and Freddie Freeman, they will remain without Mookie Betts and Max Muncy for at least the foreseeable future.
They were just dealt with another injury to the infield. Before the game, Chris Taylor was placed on the IL, with a left groin strain sustained in Wednesday’s game. He also is not expected to return quickly.
James Outman was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City in his stead.
But, in good news, all the pitchers are staring to return. In addition to Kershaw, Tyler Glasnow was again on the mound on Wednesday, returning from his IL stint.
Walker Buehler will make a rehab start Friday for Oklahoma City, which will probably be the first of two before he returns to the rotation.
Joe Kelly returned Wednesday night, and pitched again in Thursday’s game. Brusdar Graterol had his first rehab assignment on Wednesday night, and is slated to return by the end of the month. Ryan Brasier is throwing sim games and should be heading out on rehab soon. Michael Grove also pitched for OKC Wednesday as he works his way back to full health.
Most of the band is getting back together, and no doubt the Dodgers will get a few arms at the Trade Deadline. It will interesting to see how they address the third base situation. Cavan Biggio has not been great, and with Taylor out, they don’t have many more options. Centerfield also is a place of worry as CT3 also played in the outfield, and James Outman and Andy Pages have been an adventure to say the least.
Look for Andrew Friedman and Co to make some good moves, as one does not spend $1B to not make the final push to have a great team for the postseason. Stay tuned.