Clayton Kershaw was shockingly placed on the IL last week after reports abruptly surfaced of an SI joint injury. Kershaw's sudden ailment came as a surprise, as there were no prior signs indicating health issues. Nonetheless, it was undoubtedly a major blow to LA's pitching rotation.

And the most recent report Dodgers manager Dave Roberts provided won't excite fans.

“Just kind of where he’s at right now, he doesn’t feel — we don’t feel — that it makes any sense [to throw a bullpen],” Roberts stated. “I don’t know when the next go at this will be. But I don’t see it in the next few days.”

Clayton Kershaw is expected to return in early-mid June. The Dodgers had previously hoped Kershaw would begin throwing sooner than later. But he is recovering at a slower speed than he or LA anticipated. His slow recovery is understandable given the fact that he is 34 years old.

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And LA is going to be patient with him. They would rather Kershaw miss an extended period of time now and be able healthy down the stretch for a postseason run. Rushing him back in late May could have severe consequences down the road.

Kershaw dealt with injury concerns a season ago and the Dodgers have been careful in regards to his workload this year. Roberts even removed him in the midst of a perfect game in a rather controversial decision to say the least.

Dave Roberts and the Dodgers are still hopeful Clayton Kershaw can make his expected return in June. But this minor setback is concerning.