Dave Roberts Reveals Expectations for Clayton Kershaw’s Return to Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers are figuratively counting down the minutes until Clayton Kershaw returns to the mound on Saturday.

Mostly, the anticipation would be warranted for any future Hall of Famer coming back from a multi-surgery offseason, but the 37-year-old is returning to a team that is currently lacking in pitching health. With three starting pitchers currently on the injured list, as well as various talents from the bullpen, the long-awaited return could not have come at a better time.

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With that being said, manager Dave Roberts knows as well as anyone that Kershaw coming back to the bump is far from a novelty for fans to celebrate the 18th season of their MVP, as his current role will be to provide a little more depth to a pitching roster that is currently lacking in that department.

The skipper revealed that Kershaw is not only up for the challenge but is embracing it.

“Clayton has worked really hard to get healthy,” Roberts said. “The bar is high for him. He doesn’t want to just come back to be active, he wants to come back and help us win baseball games and be good.”

Kershaw knows the situation he is coming back to, and although it would be easier to simpy return for a victory lap on a remarkable MLB career, the MVP is embracing the moment.

“I’m excited to get going again and compete,” Kershaw said. “I just 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 anymore to go out there and pitch at Dodger Stadium.”

The southpaw is slated to return Saturday against the Los Angeles Angels, the second in a three-game Freeway Series against the regional rivals.

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Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

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