The Los Angeles Dodgers reinstated Clayton Kershaw from the 60-day injured list and optioned Ryan Loutos to Triple-A Oklahoma City before Saturday’s game against the Los Angeles Angels.
Blake Snell was transferred to the 60-day IL in order to make room for Kershaw on the Dodgers’ 40-man roster. Snell, who was not on the verge of returning from left shoulder inflammation anyhow, can’t be activated until June 2 now.
Meanwhile, Loutos returns to Oklahoma City one day after joining the Dodgers. He took the place of Justin Wrobleski, who pitched four innings and earned the win in the Dodgers’ bullpen game on Thursday.
Loutos allowed two runs in his lone inning of work in the loss to the Angels.
The Dodgers acquired Loutos earlier this month from the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for cash considerations. The right-hander made his MLB debut with the Cardinals last season and pitched 2.1 scoreless innings over three appearances.
Loutos recorded one save and threw 3.1 scoreless and hitless innings for the Comets before getting recalled.
Clayton Kershaw starts 18th Dodgers season
Kershaw is off the injured list after having offseason surgeries on his left knee and toe. He was limited to just seven starts last year because of the injuries and is looking forward to helping the team this season.
“I’m excited to get going again and compete,” Kershaw said this week. “I want to be a contributing part of this team, so I’m excited to do that. It’s been a long time. I don’t take it for granted, getting to go out there and pitch at Dodger Stadium.
“Saturday will be fun if we win, but regardless it will be exciting to get back out.”
While Kershaw is looking forward to being back on the mound, manager Dave Roberts is just as bullish over what the longtime veteran can bring to the Dodgers.
“I’m excited for the intensity. We’re a quarter of the way through the season, I’m envisioning a shot in the arm of emotion, intensity,” Roberts said.
“We’re not at the dog days — I don’t really believe in dog days — but I do believe in a player like Clayton, his track record, raising the level of performance and intensity of a ballclub. I’m expecting that tomorrow and going forward.”
Kershaw’s 18th season with the Dodgers ties him with Bill Russell and Zack Wheat for most in franchise history.
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