The Los Angeles Dodgers activated Clayton Kershaw from the 60-day disabled list. Carlos Frias was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City and transferred to the 60-day DL to clear room for Kershaw on the 40-man roster.
The left-handed ace starts Friday’s series opener against the Miami Marlins.Adding further intrigue to Kershaw’s return, Jose Fernandez is taking the mound for Miami. He’s a career 27-2 with a 1.57 ERA in 40 starts at Marlins Parks.
For Kershaw, he steps foot in a Major League game for the first time in 75 days. Contrary to what most expected, the Dodgers excelled in light of losing their ace.
Since June 26, when Kershaw last pitched, the Los Angeles is 38-24. Only the Chicago Cubs own a better record during that same pan.
When Kershaw was last with Dodgers they were eight games back of the San Francisco Giants for first place in the National League West. He returns to a team that’s on a five-game winning streak and leads the NL West by a season-high five games.
The three-time Cy Young Award winner is 11-2 this season with 1.79 ERA, 1.67 FIP and 0.73 WHIP in 16 starts. Kershaw was arguably int he midst of his best season, and led all Major League pitchers in several categories.
However, due to time missed, he no longer qualifies to be ranked first among pitchers. Some of the excitement and anticipation surrounding the Kershaw’s activation was dampened Thursday with a report of the 28-year-old being ‘pretty banged up.’
Kershaw nonetheless has already been penciled in for a second start, scheduled Wednesday against the New York Yankees. As for Frias, he’s been on the disabled list with Oklahoma City since July 12.
The right-hander appeared in just one game with the Dodgers this season, throwing four scoreless innings out of the bullpen. With OKC, Frias sported a 4.71 ERA in eight games (four starts).
