Not that the Dodgers, who are on pace to threaten the record for wins in a season, are desperate for more good news, but here's some anyway: Clayton Kershaw's return to the rotation is within sight. Kershaw, who has been sidelined since July 24 with lower back tightness, will start Friday against the Padres.
Kershaw recently made a rehab start for Triple-A Oklahoma City, and in that appearance he allowed one run on two hits in five innings while striking out eight and walking none. On the big-league level, Kershaw has pitched to an MLB-leading 2.04 ERA in 21 starts with an NL-leading 7.00 K/BB ratio. In other words, when healthy he has been vintage Kershaw.
The Dodgers have an insurmountable lead in the NL West and are even 12 games clear of the Astros in the race for home-field advantage throughout the postseason. In other words, Kershaw returns with no sense of urgency. The goal, of course, will be to keep Kershaw healthy, fresh, and in top form in the service of what they hope will be a deep playoff run.
The 29-year-old lefty will take the first step toward all of that on Friday in San Diego.
