The Los Angeles Dodgers officially placed Clayton Kershaw on the 15-day disabled list and activated Bud Norris. He will wear No. 28 and start in place of Kershaw in Friday’s series opener against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium.
This marks just the second time in Kershaw’s career where he’s been placed on the DL. The first came in March 2014, because of a teres major strain (upper back). Kershaw’s issue this time around is lower back discomfort that’s bothered him in recent weeks.
After meeting with Dr. Robert Watkins and undergoing an MRI, the three-time Cy Young Award winner was diagnosed with a mild disc herniation. Surgery won’t be required, but the Dodgers have yet to release a recovery timeline.
Kershaw was 11-2 with a 1.79 ERA, 1.67 FIP and 0.73 WHIP. He leads the Majors in ERA, complete games (three), complete-game shutouts (three), innings pitched (121) and strikeouts (145), among other categories.
Norris was acquired in a five-player trade with the Atlanta Braves hours after Dodgers manager revealed his ace was bound for the disabled list. Overall, the right-hander was 3-7 with a 4.22 ERA, 3.84 FIP and 1.37 WHIP in 22 games (10 starts) with the Braves.
Norris struggled in five starts during April, going 1-4 with an 8.74 ERA and lost his spot in the Braves’ rotation. He returned in June and was 2-1 with a 2.08 ERA and 0.96 WHIP in five starts. Norris tossed seven scoreless innings against the New York Mets on Sunday.
He’s 3-5 with a 5.02 ERA and 1.42 ERA as a starter this season.
