Today, Thursday September 1, MLB rosters expanded from 26 to 28 players.
The Los Angeles Dodgers used those spots wisely: with one, they called up a top infield prospect, and with the other, they brought up perhaps the best pitcher of our generation.
“The Dodgers activated LHP Clayton Kershaw from the injured list and recalled IF Miguel Vargas from Triple-A Oklahoma City when the Major League roster expanded to 28,” the team reported via Twitter.
The Dodgers activated LHP Clayton Kershaw from the injured list and recalled IF Miguel Vargas from Triple-A Oklahoma City when the Major League roster expanded to 28.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 1, 2022
Kershaw, who was placed on the injured list on August 5 with lower back pain, will return to the rotation on Thursday to face the New York Mets in their series finale.
Kershaw had a fruitful 70-pitch bullpen session over the weekend, and paved the way for a return this week.
Kershaw Has Been Dominant As Usual When Healthy
When healthy, the star left-hander has pitched like his usual dominant self.
He has a 2.64 ERA, a 0.98 WHIP, and a 88/15 K/BB ratio in 85 1/3 innings (15 starts).
A tough matchup awaits him, but he probably will be limited to around five innings or somewhere in the neighborhood of 85 pitches.
The Dodgers won the first game of the National League heavyweights showdown on Tuesday, but the Mets responded with a 2-1 victory on Wednesday behind an excellent outing by Jacob deGrom.
They will try to win the series at Citi Field behind Kershaw and the bullpen.
Once his pitch count is up to speed, the left-hander is widely expected to be a big part of the Dodgers’ playoff rotation.
He will likely be joined by the likes of Julio Urias, Dustin May, Tyler Anderson, and Andrew Heaney, plus Cy Young candidate Tony Gonsolin if he gets back to full health.
NEXT: The Dodgers Are Enjoying An Important Field Trip