As the Giants and Dodgers race to take the NL West crown, the team down south is set to receive their biggest star.
Clayton Kershaw will make his first start since June 26 on Friday in Miami, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters on Sunday. Kershaw has been dealing with back issues for over two months and finally made a rehab start with Advanced Single-A Rancho Cucamonga Saturday night.
The three-time Cy Young Award winner struck out five in three innings while allowing only one hit and issuing no walks. Of his 34 pitches, Kershaw only threw 11 balls to 23 strikes.
Before going on the DL, Kershaw was enjoying yet another dominant season. The 28-year-old lefty is 11-2 with a 1.79 ERA. He also recorded 145 strikeouts in 121 innings pitched.
Kershaw was named to his sixth straight All-Star Game this season. In nine seasons, Kershaw is 125-58 with the Dodgers and has a 2.39 ERA.
With Kershaw returning Friday, he is on schedule to pitch Game 1 of a three-game series on Sept. 19 when the Giants travel to LA to face the Dodgers. Going into Sunday's slate of games, the Giants (73-62) trail the Dodgers (75-60) by two games in the NL West.
