By staying healthy, Kershaw has cashed in a number of bonuses in his contract – and is able to participate in the most important games of the season once again.

The Padres series seemed to awaken the Dodgers as a whole, writes Rowan Kavner at Fox Sports. The Dodgers brought some much-needed intensity to the field against San Diego, and despite yesterday’s loss to the Rockies, they’re planning to keep that energy for the rest of the season.

“Clayton Kershaw held the Padres to 1 run in six innings of work. He did it with a fastball that averaged 89.7 mph. This man has given every single ounce of everything he's ever had to the Dodgers for 18 years. Competitive greatness," Dodgers' Nation Doug McKain wrote.