Not long after Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts named Clayton Kershaw his starter for Opening Day, the left-hander was shut down several days due to inflammation in his throwing shoulder.
Roberts maintained Kershaw was still in position to extend his franchise record with a ninth consecutive start on Opening Day. However, as time wore on and Kershaw’s throwing program put him well behind schedule, he was eventually ruled out.
Thus, Kershaw began the season on the 10-day injured list for the first time in his career. He continued to build up with bullpen sessions and simulated games before beginning a rehab assignment.