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Clayton Kershaw headed to 15-day DL with back pain

By John Buhler

Jun 4, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) pitches in the 1st inning against the Atlanta Braves at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 4, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) pitches in the 1st inning against the Atlanta Braves at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /
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Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw is going to the 15-day Disabled List due to back soreness. He received an epidural and has no time table for return.

According to MLB.com’s Ken Gurnick, Los Angeles Dodgers ace starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw has received an epidural for persistent back pain and will be going on the 15-day Disabled List.

Dodgers skipper Dave Roberts wasn’t sure how long his star left-handed pitcher will be out for, possibly longer than the 15-day minimum requirement of this DL stint.

Kershaw’s Dodgers sit a full six games back of their arch rival San Francisco Giants for first place in the National League West at 43-37 as of Thursday morning. Given that the Giants have won the last three World Series ending in an even year, Los Angeles might slip even further behind San Francisco in Kershaw’s absence.

While the rest of his rotation comrades have largely underwhelming, until going on the Disabled List Kershaw was having an outstanding 2016 MLB campaign. He boasts an 11-2 record in 16 starts, with a 1.79 ERA, a 0.727 WHIP, 145 strikeouts in 121.0 innings pitched, and a 219 ERA+.

The five-time National League All-Star, three-time National League Cy Young winner, and the 2014 National League MVP was absolutely in the discussion to win all three of these awards again in 2016.

Even if he’s out until the 2016 All-Star Game in San Diego, Kershaw will likely be recognized for his first half contributions and get the All-Star nod whether or not he is medically cleared to participate. However, a multi-week DL stint might end up costing Kershaw his fourth National League Cy Young award and almost certainly removes him from the conversation to win his second National League MVP award in three seasons.

Kershaw going on the Disabled List is tough news for the Dodgers and Roberts will have to find a way to keep pace with the rival Giants not having his ace pitcher available every fifth day.

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