Clayton Kershaw gets his second half started in Milwaukee

Last time Clayton Kershaw took the mound in Milwaukee, he tallied his 2,000th career strikeout on his way to 14 that night over seven innings. That Kershaw hasn’t shown up much this year, but he is still pitching well as he looks to build strength moving forward.

The lefty nearly made it through seven innings Sunday against the Angels in what was his deepest start since April 20. It was the first time since May 1 that Kershaw was allowed to go beyond 100 pitches, making 108 total.

Even with the fastball down a tick, Kershaw would’ve likely completed seven scoreless if it weren’t for one pitch that Jefry Marte hit for a three-run homer.

Typically, the second half of the season has been where the Dodgers’ ace has thrived. With a career 2.38 ERA, it’s even better (2.08) after the All-Star break. And if Kershaw is going to lower his career ERA for the 10th straight year, he is going to need to do something he has only done once this season.

On July 9 at Petco Park, the 30-year-old made it through six scoreless for his first and only start of zero runs all year.

It remains to be seen if the old Kershaw will make an appearance this year — or ever again — but that doesn’t mean he can’t be effective. And the Dodgers are going to need him to get stronger as they march towards the postseason.

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The Brewers activated Ryan Braun before Saturday’s game. Hitting fourth at first base, Braun is a career 10-for-33 with a homer and one strikeout against Kershaw.

Game Info

Time: 4:10 p.m. PT

TV: SportsNetLA