MIAMI -- Since Clayton Kershaw last pitched for the Dodgers on June 26, they are 38-24. They have gained 13 games in the standings, stormed into first place, acquired Bud Norris, Rich Hill, Josh Reddick, Jesse Chavez, Josh Fields and Carlos Ruiz, and traded away A.J. Ellis.
On Friday night, Kershaw returns from almost 2 1/2 months on the shelf with a herniated disk to start against the Marlins ace Jose Fernandez and Kershaw's old manager, Don Mattingly. This week, Mattingly said Fernandez is "on that route" to becoming a Kershaw-type stalwart.