The Los Angeles Dodgers placed Clayton Kershaw on the 15-day injured list due to right SI joint inflammation and recalled Garrett Cleavinger from Triple-A Oklahoma City. Kershaw was slated to start Friday’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Walker Buehler is starting in his place on regular rest. Kershaw’s injury diagnosis has to do with the area of his pelvis and hip, that according to the Mayo Clinic, can cause discomfort in the buttocks or lower back, and can extend down one or both legs. The SI joint is often referred to sacroiliitis.
Kershaw has dealt with various forms of back trouble during the 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2020 seasons. Last year he twice suffered from left forearm/elbow inflammation.
The first brush interrupted Kershaw’s season and sidelined him for more than two months, then the second instance prevented the left-hander from pitching in the postseason. Kershaw received a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection in his left elbow and didn’t resume throwing until January.
Convinced he was healthy and could contribute this season, Kershaw re-signed with the Dodgers on a one-year contract. Manager Dave Roberts considered this the best he’s seen the left-hander, and results supported that notion.
Kershaw is 4-0 with a 1.80 ERA, 0.73 WHIP and 32 strikeouts against three walks over five starts this season. He threw seven scoreless innings against the Chicago Cubs last weekend.
On April 30, Kershaw surpassed Don Sutton to become the all-time Dodgers strikeout leader.
While Buehler makes the start Friday, Cleavinger is back on the Dodgers active roster after being optioned May 1 as the corresponding move to Tommy Kahnle getting activated off the 10-day IL.
How long will Kershaw be out?
Kershaw’s IL stint could be backdated a maximum of three days, which would make Wednesday, May 25, the earliest he could be activated. However, it’s plausible Kershaw remains out beyond that date, depending on the severity of his injury and recovery process.
MLB roster rules changed at the beginning of May to revert back to IL stints for pitchers again being 15 days.
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