The Los Angeles Dodgers announced Clayton Kershaw was removed early from his start Sunday against the Atlanta Braves due to right lower back tightness. Kershaw is scheduled to undergo further testing on Monday.
Kershaw experienced back trouble last season, as a herniated disc forced him to miss 10 weeks. He threw 21 pitches over two hitless innings, with the Braves’ only baserunner coming on a Tyler Flowers walk in the second.
That was when signs of trouble surfaced, most noticeably by Kershaw’s drop in velocity. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and head athletic trainer Nate Lucero went out to check on the left-handed ace, who made a couple practice throws and remained in the game.
That was despite Kershaw not appearing to have his usual delivery or extension on those throws. He nonetheless ended the second inning by striking out Matt Adams.
Trayce Thompson pinch-hit for Kershaw in the bottom of the second, and Ross Stripling took over in the third inning. The start is Kershaw’s shortest since May 17, 2014, when he allowed seven runs and was chased by the Arizona Diamondbacks after a mere 1.2 innings.
He entered the day on an 11-game winning streak, leading the Majors in wins (15) and ERA (2.07), and tied with Washington Nationals ace Max Scherzer for most innings pitched (139.1).
