Dodgers News: Clayton Kershaw Excited to Return to LA Rotation

The veteran is itching to get back to the action.

After a lengthy absence that's become an annual occurrence at this point, Clayton Kershaw will be back in action on Thursday against the Rockies at home. 

Coming off the IL from a shoulder issue since the first half, Kershaw shared his annoyance with having to sit out such an extended period of time. 

“I’ve never been a guy who believes resting in the middle of a season is a good thing. Hopefully, I’m wrong. I think if you’re able to pitch, you should pitch. I think your body gets used to a certain thing during the season and a lot of change in routine is not a good thing. I mean, if you can’t pitch, you can’t pitch obviously. And mentally, too – I understand how some people enjoy the mental break from it all. But it’s definitely worse for me. Definitely not a good thing. At the end of the day, I’d rather go out there and fail than not pitch at all. I’m not worried about failing. I’ve done that plenty of times. I’m just excited to go out and compete again.”

via Bill Plunkett, OC Register

Kershaw has always been one of the game's greatest competitors and without such fire lighting him, he wouldn't have nearly the same dominant resume he's built up to this point. 

Interrupted with this season's ailment in his last start before the All-Star break, also against the Rockies, Kershaw was having another All-Star season like we're used to seeing. 

Given some of the struggles for the Dodgers' rotation without the lefty's services, it's been a huge boost for LA to get contributions from their stars and the rest of the offense. 

Despite the injuries, Kershaw is back and ready to defend the Dodgers' NL West crown in the final months of the year.