Days after Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced Clayton Kershaw would extend his franchise record by making a ninth consecutive Opening Day start, the left-hander had his throwing program interrupted due to trouble in his shoulder.
As Kershaw and the Dodgers initially did not provide specifics on the nature of his injury, it was later confirmed to be inflammation. Kershaw was shut down for several days and limited to workouts in the weight room while taking anti-inflammatory medication.
He resumed playing catch after a 10-day layoff, and the Dodgers remained optimistic he would start against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the season opener. But as Kershaw slowly crossed multiple checkpoints, Roberts eventually ruled out the possibility.
In addition to not taking the ball on Opening Day, Kershaw is due to begin the season on the 10-day injured list. It’s unclear when he’ll be activated but Kershaw suggested it will be at least a few weeks, according to Ken Gurnick of MLB.com:
“I haven’t had a Spring Training yet, so I got to go through it all,” said Kershaw. “It’s tedious and boring, but hopefully it pays off with a healthy season.”
With Kershaw unavailable, the Dodgers have moved Ross Stripling into the starting rotation. Hyun-Jin Ryu is slated to start Opening Day, with Stripling facing the Diamondbacks the following night.
Meanwhile, Kershaw’s injury has been compounded by Rich Hill now expected to begin the season on the IL as well because of a sprained left knee.
For Kershaw, it’s the first time he won’t be on the active roster to begin a season, and his first time being sidelined by shoulder trouble.
