Clayton Kershaw scratched from Game 2 start with back spasms

Clayton Kershaw was scratched from his scheduled start of Game 2 of the National League Championships with back spasms, the same injury that sidelined him at the start of the season.

Tony Gonsolin will instead start on Tuesday against the Braves, making his first appearance this postseason. Gonsolin, who last pitched on Sept. 26, threw a bullpen game on Saturday at Globe Life Field in Arlington.

Kershaw had a resurgent season in 2020, posting a 2.16 ERA in 10 starts, and won each of his first two postseason starts, allowing three runs in 14 innings. He was also scratched from his Opening Day start with back tightness, and missed nine games.

Kershaw in his career is 7-0 with a 1.49 ERA in 14 starts against the Braves, including 2-0 with three runs (one earned) allowed in 21 innings in three postseason starts. The Dodgers’ last loss in a Kershaw start against the Braves was September 4, 2011.

Whether he gets a start against Atlanta in this series remains to be seen.

Braves injury substitution

Adam Duvall’s postseason is over after suffering a left oblique injury in Game 1. He was replaced on the Braves roster by infielder Johan Camargo on Tuesday, which makes Duvall ineligible for this round and next, which is the World Series.

Duvall hit .237/.301/.532 with 16 home runs for the Braves this season. He started each of Atlanta’s first six postseason games, and though he was only 2-for-20, both hits were for extra bases (one double, one home run).

Camargo hit .200/.244/.367 in 35 games for the Braves this season, starting games at second and third base.