Dodgers News: Clayton Kershaw Is Reinstated, Pedro Baez Optioned

Kershaw has not made a start since the Opening Day start in Australia against the Arizona Diamondbacks after being sidelined with a strain in his Teres Major.

In order to make room for the reigning Cy Young award winner, the Dodgers sent down a player that made his major league debut last night according to their official Twitter account:

#Dodgers today reinstated @ClaytonKersh22 from 15-day disabled list and optioned Pedro Baez to @ChattLookouts.

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) May 6, 2014

Baez was promoted ahead of Monday’s game in Washington in favor of Stephen Fife, who started Sunday’s game in Miami because of Hyun-Jin Ryu’s move to the disabled list. The converted third baseman pitched one inning last night, allowing a two-run home run and striking out two. He may find himself on the roster once again if the team needs an arm out of the bullpen, or in September when rosters expand.

For Kershaw, the wait was longer than originally expected and a bit too long in his eyes, as he was forced to make an extra rehab start in order to get his pitch count up. He made a start with the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes and the Chattanooga Lookouts and will now rejoin the Dodgers. Their left-handed ace’s return came at a perfect time because of Ryu’s inflammation and will not force Don Mattingly to bring up another starter from the minors. Kershaw will join Zack Greinke, Dan Haren, Josh Beckett and Paul Maholm in the rotation, which has been the strength of the team thus far.

In order to repeat as Cy Young, Kershaw will have his work cut out for him because of the injury, but can start with a strong outing tonight.

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