The Los Angeles Dodgers activated Clayton Kershaw off the 15-day injured list and recalled Miguel Vargas from Triple-A Oklahoma City ahead of the series finale against the New York Mets. Thursday was the first day of expanded rosters, and Kershaw and Vargas bring the Dodgers to 28 players.
MLB roster rules for September still limit teams to a maximum of 14 pitchers. The Dodgers remain on schedule to do more shuffling Friday when Blake Treinen is reinstated from the 60-day IL.
In the meantime, Kershaw returns for a start against the Mets, as the Dodgers are looking to clinch a season series win. The matchup is the last of the regular season between the top two teams in the National League. The Dodgers have an eight-game lead over the Mets for the best record in the NL.
Kershaw rejoins the Dodgers starting rotation after being put on the IL Aug. 5 due to lower back pain. He was administered an epidural that took quick effect and allowed for smooth recovery process. Kershaw returns without having completed a rehab assignment.
He instead faced batters for three innings at Dodger Stadium, and followed that by pitching four frames in a simulated game at loanDepot Park last weekend.
“It’s kind of all of our thoughts in the sense that it’s only been a little over two weeks,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts explained last month. “At that point in time when he would potentially go out, it’s like two and a half weeks. So it just doesn’t make as much sense.”
Kershaw previously dealt with various back injuries during the 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2020 seasons.
He’s 7-3 with a 2.64 ERA, 2.71 FIP, 0.98 WHIP, 26.2% strikeout rate and 4.5% walk rate over 15 starts this year.
How will Miguel Vargas help Dodgers?
Word of Vargas joining the Dodgers’ active roster surfaced Tuesday night when he was removed after just two plate appearances in game with Oklahoma City. Vargas then joined the Dodgers’ taxi squad in New York before being officially recalled.
He’s likely to see time at third base, left field, designated hitter and as a pinch-hitter. Vargas made his MLB debut in early August but only appeared in two games for the Dodgers prior to getting optioned back to Triple-A.
Are you following Dodger Blue on Instagram? It’s the best way to see exclusive coverage from games and events, get your questions answered, and more!
