Clayton Kershaw may need surgery, could miss rest of season

Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw’s ailing back may require surgery, meaning he could miss the remainder of the season, manager Dave Roberts said Wednesday.

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Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw’s ailing back may require surgery, meaning he could miss the remainder of the season, manager Dave Roberts said Wednesday.

“With the way it flared up, it’s more of an indication that surgery is more of a possibility,” Roberts told reporters in Washington, D.C. before the Dodgers’ game against the Nationals.

“He’s disappointed because he knows he can help us,” Roberts continued, “but his focus is on getting back this year.”

The Dodgers shut down Kershaw indefinitely due to back pain on Tuesday.

• With Kershaw shut down, what’s next for Dodgers?

Kershaw last pitched on June 26th in Pittsburgh, and experienced discomfort in his lower back afterward. He was placed on the 15-day disabled list four days later after doctors diagnosed him with a mild disc hernation. The lefthander threw in a simulated game on Saturday, but felt discomfort on Sunday.

After shelving Clayton Kershaw in late June, the team acquired Bud Norris in a trade with the Braves, but since they’ve lost starter Hyun-Jin Ryu to another injury.

– Kenny Ducey