Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw's season is in jeopardy after he reaggravated an elbow injury during his start on Friday night.
The three-time Cy Young Award winner exited after just 1 2/3 innings against the Brewers at Dodger Stadium.
After the game, Kershaw suggested the elbow injury could preclude him from playing in the playoffs.
"It's a tough blow, obviously," he told reporters after allowing three earned runs on five hits. "Just felt something there in my elbow in the second inning. Forearm, elbow, I don't what it is. ... I know that we're going to do something special this year, and I wanted to be a part of that. That's the hardest part for me right now is that chances are it's not looking great for October right now."
The 33-year-old eight-time All-Star missed time earlier this season to rehab the balky elbow. He returned on Sept. 13 after an absence of two-plus months.
The extent of the new injury was initially unknown, and Kershaw indicated he'd have tests in the coming days.
The setback was ill-timed for the Dodgers, who likely would have deployed Kershaw as a long man out of the bullpen in the postseason.
But it could also be especially costly for Kershaw, depending on the severity of the injury.
The decorated veteran left-hander is scheduled for free agency for the first time in his 14-year career. Though no longer the workhorse he once was, Kershaw is still effective with a lighter load, and figured to draw interest on the open market -- especially if he could have put forth a decent showing in the postseason.
Instead, he'll suggested he'll be watching from the dugout.
"Overall, it's gonna be fun to watch. And I'm excited for these guys to do what they're gonna do in October."
Despite winning their 104th game on Friday night, the Dodgers were likely to claim the first wild-card slot, setting them up for a potential clash with the St. Louis Cardinals in the one-game play-in round.
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