(KNX 1070) -- The Dodgers will rest their star lefty pitcher Clayton Kershaw after he struggles during training camp.
Dodgers stop Kershaw from throwing due to "an arm kinda thing" (said Dave Roberts) @KNX1070 https://t.co/F2ihDCWa8h
— Randy Kerdoon (@KNXRandyKerdoon)
February 22, 2019 Dave Roberts, the Dodgers manager, told the Los AngelesTimes Kershaw was feeling an "arm kind of thing," telling Roberts the arm "didn't feel right."
There's no report yet for a timeframe when he will be able to return to throwing, but for now, he will not participate in his scheduled workouts. "Maybe just to kind of recalibrate, reset will help him," Roberts added.
Kershaw back in camp after missing a day, but takes a break from throwing. Other notes: Coach Utley in camp, and Hill on the hill for Saturday.https://t.co/VipfdoVl6T
— Dodger Insider (@DodgerInsider)
February 22, 2019 The 30-year-old pitcher signed a three-year, $93 million extension during the offseason in lieu of free agency and opt-out.
#Dodgers coverage: Updated with Clayton Kershaw comments (“I’m talking a few days”).Don’t panic. Or do. Your call, really. https://t.co/Qw7UCsr885
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr)
February 22, 2019 Despite Kershaw's slower pitch rate and issues with his back and shoulder, he remains a lauded pitcher when it comes to run prevention.
The "arm kind of thing," may worry some, but it's still early in the baseball season, and the team's known to have a great deal of pitching depth -- although not many can fill the shoes of Kershaw.
“When he says he doesn’t feel right, you’re looking at the calendar, just to push things back is prudent and that’s what we’re doing right now,” Roberts said to the LA Times. “So to say when he’s going to throw his next ’pen, I can’t say right now. And we’re sort of leaving that to him and the trainers to figure out when that is. But right now, to just kind of step away, give him a couple days, I think that’s what we want to do.
Kershaw was named the Dodgers' opening day starter this week. The three-time Cy Young Award winner spent much of the offseason in Dallas
"Just taking a few days," Kershaw said according to ESPN. "I'm not going to be super specific right now, but I should be playing catch here in the next few days and just kind of go from there. It's super early. Just want to make sure things are right."
Roberts admitted that "dead arm," an issue that can present itself to pitchers late in spring training, could explain Kershaw's current "arm kind of thing."
For now, Kershaw rests and hopes for the best.
