Clayton Kershaw. Photo Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Surgery remains a last-ditch option for Dodgers left-hander Clayton Kershaw, who was shut down after he experienced a recurrence of soreness in his back over the weekend.
Kershaw has not pitched since June 26 because of a herniated disk. Manager Dave Roberts said before Wednesday’s game that the Dodgers are hoping to avoid surgery.
“I think that with the way it flared up, it’s more of an indication that surgery is more of a possibility obviously with the way his back responded,” Roberts said. “We’re still hopeful that he will be back. When you’re talking about the back, that is always an option.”
Kershaw tossed a simulated game Saturday at Dodger Stadium, but after 60 pitches his back was sore and the Dodgers’ medical staff told him to cease baseball activity.
The 28-year-old left-hander threw a four-inning simulated game on Saturday and felt discomfort on Sunday. Kershaw has an 11-2 record with a National League-leading 1.79 ERA. His 121 innings pitched, 145 strikeouts, 0.727 WHIP and 0.7 walks per nine innings also lead the league.
The Dodgers were planning to activate Kershaw in time to start Thursday against the Nationals or on Friday against the St. Louis Cardinals.
