Dodger News: Clayton Kershaw to Start Against Miami Marlins

Morgan Richey09/08/2016

2 1 minute read

If Los Angeles could have a sweetheart, I think we can all agree it would be Clayton Kershaw. The beloved Dodger pitcher has been an integral piece to the franchises success. His return from the 60 day disabled list has been long anticipated; June 26th to be exact. With a hopeful heart and a secured back, Kershaw will start Friday against the Miami Marlins.

Clayton Kershaw on starting Friday: "It’s going to be fun. It’s been a long time coming. I’m excited to get back out there and get going"

— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) September 4, 2016

Kershaw’s road to recovery has been long, but he has proved his dedication to the team while he was playing for the class A Dodger affiliate- Rancho Cucamonga Quakes. On Saturday, he struck out five batters in three innings, only allowing one hit and no runs on 34 pitches, including 23 strikes. The 34 pitches came up short of Kershaw’s 50-pitch target, so he threw the remainder of his pitches in the bullpen.

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Despite being out since June 26, Kershaw is still tied for second on the Dodgers with 11 wins (Rich Hill 9 with OAK and 2 with LAD), trailing only Kenta Maeda.

[graphiq id=”5DZ3ip5dRat” title=”Clayton Kershaw 2016 Complete Pitching Splits” width=”600″ height=”816″ url=”https://w.graphiq.com/w/5DZ3ip5dRat” link=”http://baseball-players.pointafter.com/l/8619/Clayton-Kershaw” link_text=”Clayton Kershaw 2016 Complete Pitching Splits | PointAfter” ]

The former Cy Young Award Winner is returning at just the right time as the Dodgers are in first place in the National League West division. The San Francisco Giants are in second place, five games behind the Blue Crew.

The Dodgers are ready for their star pitcher to come back to them. With the start of September behind us, the team has their eyes on postseason victories. Kershaw is coming back with a 1.79 ERA, 11 wins and only two losses. The NL West pennant is so close, all they need is Kershaw to get back on the mound and bring home the title.