Clayton Kershaw activated from 60-day IL

Ladies and gentlemen, he’s back.

After missing more than two months, the Dodgers have activated Clayton Kershaw off the 60-day injured list. To make room on the 40-man roster, the team has designated Steven Souza Jr. for assignment. Kershaw will start for the Dodgers tonight against the Diamondbacks.

He was placed on the IL on July 7 with left elbow discomfort. He missed 57 games. Prior to being sidelined, Kershaw was 9-7 with a 3.39 ERA. In 106 ¹⁄₃ innings the veteran lefty had 127 strikeouts and only 19 walks in 18 starts.

He made one rehab start with Triple-A Oklahoma City last week, allowing two runs in three innings of work.

When asked what we can expect from Kershaw in return, manager Dave Roberts said the plan is for Kershaw to go around four innings and 60 pitches.

“I don’t want to make it a hard number, but it’s where we see him,” Roberts said.

With only a few weeks left in the regular season, the Dodgers are going to be cautious with Kershaw as they allow him to build his arm back up.

“He’s been miserable,” Roberts said. “He hates not competing and not playing, but he’s been a great teammate as far as supporting guys. He’s been waiting for this day for quite some time.”

Meanwhile, this is the second time this season that Souza Jr. has been DFA’d. In 17 games with the team he’s hitting .152. If I were to guess, I think he’ll clear waivers and be back with Oklahoma City shortly.

News and notes

• Chris Taylor unavailable today and tomorrow with his lingering neck issue. The Dodgers will make a decision on Wednesday as to whether or not they’ll place him on the IL.
• Kenley Jansen will return to the Dodgers on Tuesday. He’s currently on the Paternity List.
• AJ Pollock will stay in Los Angeles this weekend while the Dodgers go on a road trip. Hope is to send him to the minors for rehab games next week.