Kershaw, 20, was Los Angeles' first-round draft pick in 2006, and caught the attention of manager Joe Torre during spring training this year. The left-hander gave up a home run to the first batter he faced, but would not allow another run in 14 innings, striking out 19 while walking three.

"Kershaw's been on our radar, obviously," Torre said. "He got everybody's attention in spring training, and even before that. I was so curious to meet this kid because his name is the one I've probably heard more than anybody else's, and he showed us something in the spring."

The Dodgers organization has limited Kershaw to no more than 25 innings a month. He was pulled from his last start on Thursday after retiring the only three batters he faced.

"I was beside myself a little bit. Anytime you get to hear those words:'You're headed up to L.A.,' it's unbelievable," Kershaw said Saturday.

Kershaw was called up because Los Angeles (25-23) has been without a permanent fifth starter all season. The Dodgers began a streak of 17 games in as many days Friday, meaning they'll need a fifth starter three times before their next day off June 9.

To make a spot for Kershaw on the 40-man roster, Los Angeles designated veteran Esteban Loaiza for assignment.

Kershaw was 0-3 with a 2.28 ERA, 47 strikeouts, 15 walks and 32 hits allowed in 43 1-3 innings at Double-A Jacksonville. Torre told the Dodgers' official Web site that Kershaw won't be on a pitch count because he already has thrown 97 in a game in the minors.

"I'm not too nervous," Kershaw said. "I know what it's going to be like. It's going to be a different atmosphere, so I'm prepared for that."

Kershaw looks to help the Dodgers avoid being swept by the Cardinals (30-21) after a 4-0 loss Saturday as their bats went quiet for the second straight game. St. Louis defeated Los Angeles - which is batting .188 in this series - 2-1 in Friday's series opener.

Rick Ankiel drove in two runs Saturday to help St. Louis to its third straight win and sixth in the last seven games. The surging Cardinals moved into a tie with the Chicago Cubs for first place in the NL Central.

Todd Wellemeyer (5-1, 3.25 ERA) takes the mound for the Cardinals looking to win his third straight start and fourth consecutive decision. He allowed two runs and six hits in six innings of an 8-2 win over the Padres on Monday.

The right-hander is making his first start against the Dodgers. He's made four relief appearances against them without earning a decision, allowing three earned runs over 6 1-3 innings.

St. Louis could be without third baseman Troy Glaus, who left Saturday's game in the ninth inning after complaining of stomach discomfort. He said he was going to the hospital to get checked out, and his status was unclear.