Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw to Make 2024 MLB Season Debut vs. Giants After Injury Rehab

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw will make his season debut on Thursday, per the Associated Press (h/t ESPN).

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said after Los Angeles' win against the Boston Red Sox on Saturday that Kershaw would make his first bump appearance of the season in the series finale against the San Francisco Giants.

Kershaw underwent surgery on his left shoulder following the conclusion of the 2023 season and planned to pitch in 2024, and now he will finally get to do so.

After months of rehab, Kershaw made a rehab start for Class A Rancho Cucamonga in June, but was shut down for a week due to lingering soreness. He recently got back on the mound for Triple-A Oklahoma City, allowing three runs, six hits and no walkouts while picking up a pair of strikeouts.

Kershaw, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, is coming off a season where he recorded 137 strikeouts, a 2.46 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP with a 13-5 record across 24 starts. The 36-year-old will now look to pick up where he left off as he makes his debut for Los Angeles.

As Kershaw prepares for his return, the Dodgers will also have starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow back on the mound against the Giants after he missed several weeks due to a back injury.

With two of their top pitchers set to return, Los Angeles will look to continue their momentum after a strong showing through the first half of the season. The Dodgers are currently at the top of the NL West at 58-41 and should only get better with the Kershaw back on the mound.