Just hours before their season began Thursday, the Dodgers unexpectedly placed left-handed ace Clayton Kershaw on the injured list because of back stiffness. Fortunately for Los Angeles, though, it doesn’t appear Kershaw will be out for long. The 32-year-old threw from 90 feet Friday and offered a positive update on his status, telling Ken Gurnick of MLB.com and other reporters he’s optimistic that he’ll return soon.
With Kershaw down for Thursday’s opener against the archrival Giants, the loaded Dodgers turned to right-hander Dustin May as their starter. The hard-throwing 22-year-old proceeded to turn in an effective performance with 4 1/3 innings of seven-hit, one-run ball, adding four strikeouts against zero walks in an 8-1 Dodgers romp.
Of course, even though the Dodgers’ first game went well in Kershaw’s absence, there’s no question they’re a better team with the eight-time All-Star and three-time National League Cy Young winner in their rotation. Kershaw wasn’t at peak form last year, yet he still notched 178 1/3 innings of 3.03 ERA/3.86 FIP pitching with 9.54 K/9 and 2.07 BB/9.
The Dodgers will be glad to welcome Kershaw back when he’s ready, but there’s no timeline for his return as of now. For the time being, then, May will continue to complement budding ace Walker Buehler, Ross Stripling, Julio Urias and Alex Wood in the Dodgers’ rotation.
The legend!
The legend is losing a battle with father time. Those back issues dont go away.
Last year was his first season *ever* with an ERA over 3
It was 3.03 AND took the stupid homerun spike to get there
He’s not posting 1 ERAs anymore, but he’s far from as washed out as many seem to think here
Ever? Debut season he started 21 games with a 4.26
3.86 FIP. He’s still good if healthy but no longer great.
What a luxury to have Dustin May as your 6th starter on your roster. The kid throws 98+ with ease along with a wipe out slider. He’s a future #2 or #3 starter at worst. I hope they lather him up with sunscreen though; he looks like he might combust in that warm LA weather!
Hate to see Kershaw struggle with injuries, but I’m happy that May is getting an opportunity at the Major League level.
Get well Clayton and good luck Dustin.
It’s fun to watch him pitch. That leg kick belongs on a chorus line. The hair too.
Noone ever used to have a bad back. Unfortunately, this will continue throughout the remainder of his career. Hate to see decline due to injury.
Maybe they stacked rotation against the Astros coming to town at the expense of a AAA level Giants team they jus played. It’s not like they would publicly say that. Every game matters more in the short season
Even with injuries and not being the same pitcher, Kershaw is still on the better pitchers in the league. With that said, Buehler is the clear cut ace on this team ans has taken Kershaws place as one of the best in the league. The kids doesn’t buckle under pressure, like he thrives for those big games. It’s fun to watch! I think these next few years we are going to see an exciting young core of Buehler, May, Urias & Gray. I know they have them going this season but May & Gray need time to really find themselves. I think May, especially, will be a star in this league, a rotation of Buehler and May is gonna be fun to watch! You could already see improvement in May on opening day. His movement was really good, had bases loaded with only one out and didn’t fold, stay composed and looked really calm. I loved to see it. That fast ball was electric too! Excited to for the future with those guys. Back to Kershaw though, back problems are no joke and never go away, been dealing with it myself and it sucks. I hope he can finish his career without too many setbacks but unfortunately he’s gonna be dealing with this until he does retire.
Dang, get healthy, Clayton. We need you.