Dave Roberts on Clayton Kershaw's injury: 'I just can't see it not being an IL situation'

The future Hall of Famer exited Thursday's start against the San Francisco Giants after four innings and just 66 pitches with what the team called "low back pain." Kershaw surrendered one earned run on three hits and picked up four strikeouts in the outing.

Roberts said after the game that the lefty's back "checked up on him" during warm-ups entering the fifth frame and didn't rule out a possible IL stint. Kershaw secured his ninth All-Star honor in July and made his first All-Star start, going one scoreless inning in front of the hometown fans.

The three-time NL Cy Young award winner has already missed approximately one month of action this season due to a pelvic injury, but has been his usual dominant self when taking the hill. In 15 starts this year, Kershaw has gone 7-3 with a 2.64 ERA and 0.98 WHIP, while racking up 88 strikeouts in 85 1/3 innings pitched.