Clayton Kershaw may miss Opening Day start

For the last eight seasons, Clayton Kershaw has gotten the start on Opening Day. That streak may be in jeopardy, as his lingering shoulder issues may be too much for him to overcome by March 28.

“The main thing is he’s trending in the right direction,” manager Dave Roberts said. “When he’s game ready is when he’s game ready. We’re still hopeful. But when that happens, that’s the most important thing.”

The good news is that Kershaw was feeling well enough to play catch again on Monday. He’s currently on anti-inflammatory medication, and it appears as if it’s helping with his recovery process.

“From everything I hear, he’s encouraged that he continues to feel good,” Roberts said.

Regardless of when Kershaw feels confident enough to throw in a game, he still will have a lot of work needed to be put in. He’ll have to throw bullpen sessions, batting practice, and likely appear in a few Spring Training games before being given the green-light for an Opening Day start.

“I think the thing is we just feel very comfortable that he will get ramped up and regardless of when that is, there is a lot of talent in that room that he’s surrounded by.”

The good news for the Dodgers is they have a plethora of guys who are more than capable of filling in. Ross Stripling and Julio Urias could fill in as the No. 5 starter, with more potential options in the minors.

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Today’s starting lineup versus the Giants. The game can be heard on AM 570, but it won’t be shown on television.