UPDATE (July 23, 2:30 p.m. PT): The Los Angeles Dodgers announced Clayton Kershaw was removed early due to right lower back tightness.
On the same afternoon the Los Angeles Dodgers were reported as having serious interest in trading for Texas Rangers right-hander Yu Darvish as a means of improving their rotation, Clayton Kershaw was removed after throwing just two innings against the Atlanta Braves.
He needed all of eight pitches to get through the first inning, capping it off by striking out Freddie Freeman on three pitches. Kershaw quickly retired the first two batters faced in the second inning before signs of trouble set in.
There was a fastball at decreased velocity and curveball in the dirt, which prompted a mound visit from Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and trainer Nate Lucero.
Kershaw made a couple practice throws, though not quite at his usual extension or delivery, and remained in the game. He walked Tyler Flowers before striking out Matt Adams to end the inning.
Kershaw had a brief conversation with a trainer while sitting on the bench in the dugout prior to retiring to the clubhouse. Trayce Thompson pinch-hit and struck out with the bases loaded to end the bottom of the second.
Kershaw was replaced in the third inning by Ross Stripling. He threw 21 pitches, with the Braves’ lone baserunner coming on Flowers’ walk. Kershaw’s fastball velocity reached 93.3 mph in the first inning and topped out at 91.4 mph in the second.
The start is Kershaw’s shortest since May 17, 2014, when he allowed seven runs and was chased by the Arizona Diamondbacks after completing a mere 1.2 innings.
The three-time Cy Young Award winner entered the day on an 11-game winning streak, leading the Majors with 15 wins and a 2.07 ERA, and tied with Washington Nationals ace Max Scherzer for most innings pitched at 139.1.
Following a June 26 start, the Dodgers lost Kershaw last season for 10 weeks due to a herniated disc in his lower back.
