Breaking down Clayton Kershaw’s return from the DL

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher, Clayton Kershaw, returned from the disabled list on Thursday to pitch against the Philadelphia Phillies.

It felt like Opening Day all over again when Clayton Kershaw stepped on the mound for his first game back since his bicep tendinitis injury. It had been more than a month since the Cy Young winner had pitched and all eyes were on him.

Unfortunately, it was apparent early on that he wasn’t up to par with his usual talent. He wasn’t able to throw a fastball higher than 90 mph and gave up a run (which on further inspection appears to have been an out, but I digress) before the third inning. Through just the first four innings Kershaw threw 20 fastballs, all averaging about 87 mph, with the fastest being 90 mph. To put that into perspective; last year, Kershaw threw 1,142 fastballs and not a single one was 90 mph or slower.

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Overall fans seemed to think the world was ending, but it really wasn’t that bad of a start for a pitcher coming off an injury. By the way, his curveball looked fantastic.

https://twitter.com/PitchingNinja/status/1002352251963346945

He only gave up the one run — and got only one run in return. The fans need to stop relying on Kershaw to come in and save the day, the rest of the team has to do their part as well. There needs to be more runs in order to relieve some of the pressure I’m sure the former MVP felt.

In the end, Kershaw pitched five innings, threw 62 pitches and only gave up one run, which let’s face it wasn’t really a run if you look at this photo.

Shortly after the game Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told the press that Kershaw would undergo an MRI on his back after tightening up during Thursday’s game.

The Dodgers would go on to drop the game 2-1 to the Phillies. The Dodgers head to the Colorado Rockies tomorrow.