The Los Angeles Dodgers are rolling through the National League West as they were expected to, as their 47-30 record gives them a nine-game lead over the San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks. Despite that, the injuries are starting to pile up for them, which is why the latest update on Clayton Kershaw will be a welcome sight for sore eyes.

Kershaw hasn't pitched this season after he underwent surgery on his throwing shoulder back in November, as he has been gradually working his way back onto the mound. He recently made his first rehab start, though, giving up one run on two hits over three innings with five strikeouts and a walk, and after the game, Kershaw made it seem like he was closing in on a return to the majors.

“I checked all the boxes. It was fun to get back out there. As long as everything comes out fine, I think I'm on for the next one. Stuff's OK. It's getting better, so hopeful that over time you start working more on pitching and less about health and get ready to go.” – Clayton Kershaw, ESPN

Dodgers hoping Clayton Kershaw can provide boost to starting rotation

fore the game against the Miami Marlins at Dodger Stadium.
Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles has seen both Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Walker Buehler hit the injured list recently, meaning that their starting rotation is beginning to become increasingly thin. As if getting Kershaw back wasn't enough, he could be just what the rotation needs to get it through this rough injury patch.

Despite earning his tenth All-Star selection last year, and generally putting up strong numbers (13-5, 2.46 ERA, 137 K, 1.06 WHIP), Kershaw's final start of the year, which came against the Diamondbacks in the playoffs, left a bad taste in his mouth (0.1 IP, 6 H, 6 ER, 1 BB). The fact that he has a chance to make a triumphant return for his longtime team makes things even better.

Even though he recently turned 36 years old, Kershaw has remained one of the best pitchers in the league as he continues to prove that he is one of, if not the greatest, starting pitchers of his era. Kershaw has three Cy Youngs, an MVP award, and a World Series champion headlining his laundry list of accomplishments from his career.

And while there have been tons of questions about his future as of late, there's no doubt just how important he is to this team right now, especially with Yamamoto and Buehler on the mend for the time being. If Kershaw can return and pitch like the ace he always has been, the Dodgers should be able to escape this difficult stretch of their season relatively unscathed as they look to give Kershaw one more championship before he ultimately decides to retire.