Dodgers’ Kershaw dealing with ‘cranky’ shoulder, hopeful to make next start

DENVER (AP) — Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw is coping with a “cranky” pitching shoulder and stays optimistic he’ll have the ability to make his subsequent begin.

Kershaw stated Thursday that he felt some tenderness in his left shoulder in his profitable outing Tuesday at Colorado. He carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning and left the sport after 79 pitches and one hit allowed in an eventual 5-0 win. The 35-year-old left-hander stated he underwent a medical examination on Wednesday and was given a shot to alleviate irritation.

“I just finished in the game and the shoulder was a little cranky there in the sixth inning, so I shut it down,” stated Kershaw, who’s tied for the NL lead in wins with 10.

Kershaw (10-4) stated he received’t throw for a pair days, however hopes to select the ball up once more quickly.

“So somewhat optimistic that it should be good to hopefully not miss a start,” stated Kershaw, who leads the Dodgers with a 2.55 ERA and 105 strikeouts. “With the All-Star break developing, we’ve got a while to doubtlessly shift issues round, so we’ll see. But as of now, I’m type of on the identical day-to-day foundation.

“I’ll probably start picking up the ball at some point in Kansas City (site of this weekend’s series), see how it does … and hopefully make my next one.” Dodgers supervisor Dave Roberts stated he nonetheless has Kershaw penciled in to start out Monday, however received’t push it if he’s not prepared.

“We’re not going to put him in harm’s way,” Roberts stated. “If we all collectively come together and say it makes sense to make your start, great. And if it doesn’t, we’re fine with that.”

Roberts stated he would have Kershaw skip the beginning if he wants extra restoration time moderately than push it again just a few days so as maintain the remainder of the rotation on their flip.

“Right now, for me, it’s just more can you make a start on Monday, and if you can’t, then we’ll pick out Plan B or Plan C,” Roberts stated.

In one other transfer, the Dodgers recalled left-hander Justin Bruihl from triple-A Oklahoma City and optioned right-hander Michael Grove.

Grove went 5 innings and allowed 4 runs with a no-decision in Wednesday evening’s 9-8 loss at Colorado. He is 0-2 with a 7.54 ERA over two stints with the Dodgers this season.

Bruihl is again for a fourth stint with the Dodgers. He is 1-0 with a 4.41 ERA and 13 strikeouts in 14 video games this season with Los Angeles.