Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw is expected to return this week after recovering from an injury.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said on the 8th (Korean time), “It is not confirmed, but it is very likely that Kershaw will take the mound in the first game of a four-game series against the Colorado Rockies.” The Dodgers will play four consecutive games against Colorado at home starting on the 11th. Kershaw finished safely pitching the bullpen on the 7th and received a passing grade.
Kershaw, who debuted with the Dodgers in 2008, went 207-91 with a 2.48 ERA over 16 years in the big leagues. He won three Cy Young Awards and five earned run average titles. However, he has suffered from minor injuries in recent years and has not been able to show off his former glory.
However, he returned to his prime this season by competing for multiple wins before his injury. He recorded 10 wins and 4 losses with an ERA of 2.55 in 16 appearances through June, leading the National League (NL) in most wins. His batting average (0.216) and on-base percentage (1.05) per inning are both low.
However, on June 28, he was placed on the injured list (IL) after complaining of pain in his shoulder after taking the mound in an away game against Colorado. He was selected to his 10th All-Star, the most in club history, but did not participate in the All-Star game either. His return was delayed as the rehabilitation period was longer than originally expected. 꽁머니
Kershaw is back in contention for the title. While Kershaw was missing, Justin Steel (Chicago Cubs) and Taihuan Walker (Philadelphia Phillies) tied for first place in the NL with 13 wins.
The Dodgers, who are ranked first in the NL West, gained strength again with the return of ‘ace’ Kershaw.