Dodgers reinstate Clayton Kershaw

The Los Angeles Dodgers today reinstated left-handed pitcher Clayton Kershaw from the 10-day disabled list (lower back strain) and optioned left-handed reliever Adam Liberatore to Triple-A Oklahoma City. 
Kershaw, who will make his ninth start of the season tonight against the Mets at Citi Field, missed the last 18 games due to a lower back strain, which occurred in his last start on May 31 against the Phillies, where he allowed just one run on four hits and struck out five in 5.0 innings. Despite starting the season going 1-4 in eight starts, the Dodger ace has posted a 2.76 ERA (15 ER/49.0 IP) and has held hitters to a .233 average. The southpaw has also struck out 53 batters against just 11 walks in 49.0 innings, while posting a 1.12 WHIP. In the 18 games that Kershaw missed, the Dodgers went 13-5 during that span.
Liberatore, 31, has made 17 relief appearances with Los Angeles this season, going 2-1 with a 2.77 ERA (4 ER/13.0 IP) and has limited the opposition to a .227 average.