Clayton Kershaw activated from DL, Dodgers option Pedro Baez to Double-A

The Dodgers officially activated Clayton Kershaw off the disabled list on Tuesday before his start against the Nationals, and optioned reliever Pedro Baez back to Double-A Chattanooga.

Baez was called up Monday to give the Dodgers a fresh arm in the bullpen in between Sunday's spot start by Stephen Fife and Kershaw's return. Baez made his major league debut in the eighth inning and promptly allowed a two-run home run to Danny Espinosa, but recovered to retire his final three batters, including two by strikeout.

Baez, 26, was converted from third base to the mound prior to the 2013 season, and was added to the 40-man roster in November. He was the 18th pitcher to pitch for the Dodgers this season.

Yasiel Puig is out of the lineup for the second straight day after crashing into the wall in Miami on Sunday. In addition, Adrian Gonzalez is out of the lineup for just the second time in 34 games this season.

Scott Van Slyke starts at first base, batting seventh for the Dodgers. It is Van Slyke's 10th start this season, but first against a right-handed pitcher.