RAMON ALVARADO

It was a back-and-forth game Sunday afternoon, but the Dodgers edged out the San Diego Padres as outfielder Yasiel Puig and catcher Yasmani Grandal hit home runs in crucial moments of the game. The fan-favorite Puig played in just his third game since being brought back up from the minor leagues and gave fans at Dodger Stadium yet another exciting moment when he launched a ball out to left field for a three-run home run. The blast gave LA a 3-2 lead in the third inning and assured the Dodgers staff that bringing Puig back was the right decision. Just last week it seemed like we had seen the last of Puig in a Los Angeles uniform as trade rumors swirled around various sports media outlets.

Sunday, Puig contributed to a win that gave the Dodgers a three game lead over the San Francisco Giants in the NL West division, but that is not the only thing that gave Dodgers’ faithful a reason to smile.

Shortly before the game, manager Dave Roberts told SportsNet Los Angeles that Clayton Kershaw will start a game for the first time since June 26^th when he suffered a back injury.  Kershaw dominated in the games he started before his injury. He has a record of 11-2 this season and opponents are earning less than two runs a game against him. Kershaw is making his return to the team at the perfect time. He has about a month to prepare for the playoffs and his team already sits atop its division, which would give them an automatic trip to the playoffs.

The entire Dodgers roster is really starting to come together as the season dwindles down and the postseason begins to emerge. Puig is back with the Boys in Blue and has made an immediate impact, Kershaw is now set to make his return, and two young pitchers have broken out in Julio Urias and Jose De Leon. Rookie sensation Corey Seager continues to play phenomenal baseball along with catcher Yasmani Grandal. Newcomers Josh Reddick and Rich Hill, who were acquired via trade, have made solid contributions to the team as well.

The Dodgers will soon be at full strength as they look to maintain their spot in first place. With a three game lead in the division, hot bats, and the return of the best pitcher in baseball going for them, the Los Angeles Dodgers are beginning to look like a real threat for the National League pennant and legit title contenders.