Clayton Kershaw returns with a losing streak to stop

The last three days in Arizona weren’t very good, but the Dodgers starting pitchers more than held their own without ace Clayton Kershaw, who returns to pitch Friday night against the Padres at Petco Park.

Kershaw last pitched on July 23, exiting after two innings with a lower back strain. He missed 33 games.

With Kershaw sidelined, Dodgers starting pitchers posted a 3.58 ERA with 175 strikeouts and 52 walks in 178⅓ innings, averaging 5.40 innings per start. The starters were 13-6, and the Dodgers won 23 of the 33 games.

After a few weeks of simulated games, bullpen sessions, and one minor league rehab start, Kershaw is expected to pitch roughly five innings or 75 pitches in his first game back in 40 days.

Before the current five-game losing streak for the Dodgers, their previous long skid this season was three games, done three times. All three of those streaks were ended with a Kershaw win.

The Dodgers have won Kershaw’s last 15 starts, dating back to May 6.

Kershaw hasn’t lost a start against San Diego since June 21, 2013. In the 11 starts since he is 8-0 with a 1.03 ERA and 106 strikeouts in 78⅔ innings. The Dodgers have won all 11 games.

Game info

Time: 7:10 p.m. PT

TV: SportsNet LA