LOS ANGELES -- After Clayton Kershaw had allowed two runs on four hits to the Giants to start the third inning and had fallen behind 3-0 to Patrick Bailey, his first start of the season was spiraling into borderline disappointing territory.

But then, Kershaw got a called strike on the outside part of the plate. Then, he got Bailey to chase a slider below the zone, and then he got him to whiff on another slider for a much-needed strikeout. With two runners on base, Kershaw struck out the next two batters as the Dodger Stadium crowd roared in approval, working his way out of the jam.

It was probably the most anticipated day for the Dodgers post-All-Star break, with the injury-plagued team desperately in need of fresh arms. And who better than their future Hall of Famer entering his 17th season?

“I'm excited. I think Dodger Nation is excited. I know Clayton is excited,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said before the 6-4 victory over the Giants. “It's been highly anticipated, and the timing is what we expected. … But this is a big day for all of us and Clayton's had a long road, and I'm happy to finally get to the finish line.”

Kershaw cruised through his first two innings before the aforementioned third, and he came back to make quick work of the Giants in the fourth with a strikeout, popout and flyout while walking a batter. Roberts mentioned before the game that he wanted to see Kershaw reach the fifth inning, but it would depend on his efficiency.

Roberts ultimately pulled Kershaw for Joe Kelly to start the fifth inning. Kershaw allowed two runs on six hits with six strikeouts and two walks in his first start of the season. He threw 72 pitches, 47 for strikes.

Roberts reiterated pregame Thursday that Kershaw’s outing would have no bearing on his availability for next week.

“I think that given where the starters are at, who we have and guys that are kind of not available, IL, I don't think Clayton's outing today has any impact on that,” Roberts said.