Clayton Kershaw returned to the mound on Thursday after missing a month of action due to biceps tendinitis. Although the future hall of fame southpaw allowed only four hits in five innings, with one walk and four strikeouts, Kershaw’s velocity was down from previous years, and he did not look right on the mound.
According to Andy McCullough of the Los Angeles Times, a back injury is a culprit for the lack of velocity, and another stint on the DL is likely for Kershaw.
It is the fourth time in the past five seasons in which Kershaw will spend time on the disabled list due to a back injury, bringing into question whether or not the three-time Cy Young award winning pitcher will ever move on from back issues.
“Beyond frustrating,” Kershaw said after the game. “I felt like I was out of the woods. I was feeling good and then to have that crop up.”
An MRI was taken on Friday to determine the severity of the injury.
