Kershaw's trip home brief but enjoyable

The Dodgers have not played against the Rangers since 2009, and Clayton Kershaw, who was born in Dallas, was happy to be back in Arlington this week -- even if it's just for a few days.

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"It's fun to be home, see your friends and family," Kershaw said. "Usually you don't get to do this until the offseason, so it's a little bit weird, but it's fun for 24 hours or so."

Kershaw said he grew up a Rangers fan and his favorite player was Will Clark, the former first baseman who played for Texas from 1994-98 and also wore No. 22. Kershaw secured about 70 tickets for friends and family for the Dodgers' 4-1 loss to the Rangers on Monday at Globe Life Park.

Kershaw has never pitched in Arlington and won't get the chance during the two-game series. But he will take the mound against the Rangers once the series shifts to Los Angeles on Wednesday, which will be his first career start against Texas.

"Yeah, good team. They're swinging the bats really, really well right now," Kershaw said. "Fortunately, they won't have the DH in L.A. so they're going to have to make a decision there. They're swinging the bats really well and playing really good right now, so tough matchup."