Clayton Kershaw

After making his season debut Thursday, longtime Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw expressed how grateful he was to be back on the mound at

Clayton Kershaw appeared to be in trouble early in his season debut Thursday following offseason surgery, but he worked his way out of a jam.

Clayton Kershaw's return is an important boost for a depleted rotation, but it shouldn't impact the Dodgers' search for an ace as the trade deadline nears.

Clayton Kershaw allowed two runs in a four-inning, 72-pitch outing that saw him scatter six hits and walk three batters against the Giants. "It meant a lot," he said of his return to the Dodgers.

Kershaw didn't factor into the decision Thursday against San Francisco, allowing two runs on six hits and two walks over four innings. He struck out six.