Clayton Kershaw allowed two runs over four innings in his return from shoulder surgery, while Nick Ahmed and Shohei Ohtani hit back-to-back home runs in the eighth inning, and the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the San Francisco Giants 6-4 on Thursday.
Kershaw made his first appearance in the major leagues since last October’s NL Division Series opener against Arizona, when the three-time Cy Young Award winner was taken out after one out and gave up six runs.
Kershaw had surgery on November 3 to repair ligaments in his shoulder capsule and made three minor league rehab starts on June 19, July 13, and July 19.
“It meant a lot,” Kershaw said. “From the first time having surgery to the rehab process to be able to get back out there at Dodger Stadium is something I’ve thought about for a long time.”
His wife Ellen and children were in the crowd of 52,291.
“They were so excited,” Kershaw said. “There’s a lot of people in here that spent a lot of time with me to help me get back. People back home as well to help. It was really cool that a lot of people cared so much to help me.”
Kershaw wore cleats designed by his four children, who surprised him with the gift, making him tear up. Writing on one of the shoes said: “We are so proud of you Dad!!”
Against the Giants, the 36-year-old left-hander gave up six hits, struck out six, and walked two, getting 14 swings and misses, including eight on sliders, while throwing 47 of 72 pitches for strikes. He averaged 90.6 mph with 24 fastballs, threw 32 sliders, 10 curveballs, and six changeups.
