Roberts 'optimistic' Kershaw won't miss too much time

Clayton Kershaw is injured once again. Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Dave Roberts 'optimistic' Clayton Kershaw won't miss too much time

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Larry Brown | Last updated 8/5/22

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts gave an update Friday on the status of pitcher Clayton Kershaw.

Kershaw left Thursday’s win over the San Francisco Giants after feeling tightness in his back while warming up ahead of the fifth inning. The three-time Cy Young Award winner said he felt something lock up.

“Just felt something kind of lock up there in the fifth and couldn’t really throw after that,” Kershaw said. “Something in my back again.”

Roberts joined MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM Friday and said that he’s not too concerned for the long term.

Dave Roberts provides an update on Clayton Kershaw.#Dodgers | @Dodgers pic.twitter.com/FEhrlxKEfR

— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) August 5, 2022

“I just can’t see it not being an IL situation. But I am optimistic in the sense that it shouldn’t be too long term of being down,” Roberts said.

Kershaw missed time earlier this season with a hip/back issue. He has dealt with back problems throughout his career.

The Dodgers have gone 12-3 since the All-Star break and have the best record in MLB. They have plenty of depth, but the absence of Kershaw could help the emerging Padres help close the gap in the NL West.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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