Clayton Kershaw's eventual return to the rotation was once expected to an added bonus as the Los Angeles Dodgers geared up for a postseason run. It turns out, though, that the Dodgers' longtime ace is coming back at a pivotal time. When Kershaw takes the mound Thursday afternoon against the San Francisco Giants, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and the front office are hoping that the three-time NL Cy Young Award winner can bring stability to a rotation that has been beset by injuries for most of the season.