LOS ANGELES: A lot has happened since Dodgers left-back Clayton Kershaw last took the mound on July 3 at Nationals Park.
The Dodgers acquired Max Scherzer and Trea Turner from the Nationals. Walker Buehler and Julio Urías now have professional seasons. Corey Seager has fractured his wrist again and Mookie Betts has hit a more consistent clip despite treating a hip problem.
All of these positive aspects of the last two and a half months make the Dodgers win at a ridiculous pace, even with Kershaw losing several months with tension in his left forearm. But aside from the fact that the Dodgers have played in Kershaw’s absence, there is no denying that Los Angeles is a better team when the future Hall of Fame is healthy.
After two long months, Kershaw returned to the mound successfully on Monday, allowing a run in four hits for more than 4 1/3 working innings in the Dodgers ’5-1 win over the D-backs at Dodger Stadium.
With the win, the Dodgers ’magic number to secure a spot in the postseason is reduced to two. They are 2 1/2 games behind the Giants, who beat the Padres on Monday, in the Western National League race. Los Angeles has 17 games left for the regular season.
“For me being able to be a part of it is huge,” Kershaw said as he joined the team as they tried to chase the Giants. “I will never take it for granted, be in a playoff race and be part of it. It’s good now. The Giants don’t lose, so they don’t make it easy for us. It will be fun “.
Kershaw’s outing began quickly, leaving out D-backs field coach Nick Ahmed on four pitches. After that, Kershaw had initial problems. Ketel Marte got a double and Arizona climbed the board soon, while Josh Rojas hit an RBI double on the left field.
It took Kershaw 20 shots to get past the first inning, but the veteran southpaw was able to settle down. Kershaw needed just five pitches to withdraw his team in order in the third inning. In the fourth, Kershaw eliminated Jake McCarthy with a 3-2 slide to block a runner in goal position.
As usual, Kershaw relied on his four-seam / sliding combination for most of the night. However, he used his curve ball more than usual, and it turned out to be effective. He threw the pitch 12 times, recording three swings and errors.
“He was throwing the ball fast where he wanted and he mixed it up a bit,” said Austin Barnes, the Dodgers catcher. “His curve ball was very good today and his slider is always there. It was a good start for Kersh and we are thrilled to be back. “
The only concern with Kershaw’s exit was his speed. Kershaw was sitting at 88-90 mph with his fast four-seam ball all night, averaging 89.2 mph on the field of play, below the season average of 90.7. The speeds of the slider and the curve ball also went down, but that didn’t stop him from being efficient.
In fact, so efficient that Kershaw’s outing was a little longer than expected. Kershaw had planned to pitch four innings and not pitch more than 60 pitches. But as Kershaw overtook four by throwing just 49 pitches, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was comfortable with the ace trot in the mound to start the fifth. Kershaw needed a throw to withdraw the Z-Gallen pitcher, who finished his outing.
“There’s no way to simulate a great league game, really not,” Kershaw said. “You can do all the bulletins, all the rehabilitations, all the work you want, but for whatever reason the pitch in a big league game is different. … I’m glad to have this first one behind me and I’ll have a few more than , hopefully I can contribute and win this. “
Kershaw’s return will certainly increase the Dodgers ’chances of winning another World Series. It gives the Dodgers another proven headline in a rotation that also includes Scherzer, Buehler and Uriah. These four would give the Dodgers a chance against any team in a playoff series.
Kershaw admitted he did not know what his availability would be as he struggled again after the forearm injury. But he was able to return on Monday, to the delight of his teammates.
“He’s our guy,” Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner said. “We’re excited to see him again.”