Clayton Kershaw will miss his Opening Day start due to a back ailment. Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Dodgers place LHP Clayton Kershaw on IL with sore back

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 7/23/20

The Los Angeles Dodgers delivered some bad news hours ahead of the club's Opening Day showdown with interstate rivals the San Francisco Giants.

On Thursday, the Dodgers placed southpaw ace Clayton Kershaw on the injured list due to a sore back:

The Los Angeles Dodgers have placed LHP Clayton Kershaw on the injured list with back stiffness and have recalled right-handed pitcher Dustin May.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) July 23, 2020

Dustin May, 22 years old, will take the bump in place of the injured Kershaw.

The 32-year-old lefty, who is headed to the Hall of Fame whenever he hangs his cleats up, is an eight-time All-Star who won Cy Young Award honors with the Dodgers in 2011, 2013 and 2014, and National League MVP in 2014. Kershaw tallied a record of 16-5 last season and holds a career mark of 169-74.

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