Dodgers bring Clayton Kershaw back to their NLDS roster against the Phillies, adding a veteran lefty to the bullpen for a potential final postseason run. The move follows a wildcard round where the Dodgers leaned on younger arms and needed more stability from the relief corps. Kershaw, 11-2 with a 3.36 ERA this season, is expected to pitch out of the bullpen in this series, pairing with Anthony Banda to counter Philadelphia’s left-handed hitters.

Key supporting pieces remain in flux: Will Smith might catch despite a fractured hand, while Edgardo Henriquez and Justin Wrobleski were swapped out of the roster. The Dodgers face a Phillies lineup featuring Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, Brandon Marsh, and Bryson Stott, all lefty threats. Dodgers fans will be watching whether Kershaw’s postseason pedigree translates into a pivotal series win or if this could be his farewell march.

Beyond Kershaw, the Dodgers lean on depth and experience, hoping the veteran presence steadies a pitching staff that struggled at times in the wild-card round. The Phillies’ mix of power and contact hitters will test a rotation that needs to fire on all cylinders to advance.