"I've got this backstage view" - Clayton Kershaw's wife Ellen opens up about the emotions behind star pitcher's much-awaited return to MLB

The LA Dodgers and his wife Elle Kershaw are the only two constants in lefty ace Clayton Kershaw's life since high school. While Elle and Clayton had known each other since their teenage days, the relationship with the Dodgers started when the club picked him seventh overall out of high school in 2006.

Nineteen years later, the three-time Cy Young winner continues to strive in LA blue after he made his emotional return on July 25 against the San Francisco Giants.

Clayton Kershaw's wife, along with their four kids, were present at the ballpark to embrace his return. One could even see tears in Elle's eyes as Kershaw went out to throw his first pitch.

"It was really sweet to be back here and it just made us realize how much we love this and we're so thankful that we are still in the race of it. Woo. Yay," Elle said in an emotional interview with SportsNet LA.

"I think there's gonna be some emotion with it. I feel so lucky that I've kind of gotten this backstage view of what this whole process has been like. He has worked so hard and he does it for our family and for our kids."

Clayton Kershaw before he made his return to the mound for the Dodgers

After Clayton Kershaw exited last year, there were rumors of him not coming back with the injuries he was carrying. However, the veteran hurler decided to undergo a left shoulder injury to return once again. He signed a one-year deal with the Dodgers with an option in place for 2025.

Kershaw spent the entire first half rehabbing, followed by two assignments, before he took the mound on July 25.

“The road back, being able to get back, a lot of people spent a lot of time trying to help me,” Kershaw said before his start. “It means a lot to a lot of different people. That’s pretty humbling. Overall, definitely excited to get back.”

However, his start didn't go exactly the way he would have envisioned, but as Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said, it's a step in the process. Kershaw pitched four innings for two runs and six strikeouts against the Giants.

There's no denying Clayton Kershaw is locked in the Hall of Fame once he decides to retire. After 17 years of service and still continuing for the Dodgers, the southpaw has 10 All-Star selections, an NL MVP in 2014 and numerous other pitching accolades, which also include a no-hitter on June 18, 2014, against the Colorado Rockies.