With Clayton Kershaw still leading the Los Angeles Dodgers rotation, the expectation when Spring Training began was he would be named the starter for Opening Day of the 2019 season. By doing so, Kershaw would extend his franchise record to nine consecutive starts in a season opener.
After initially being somewhat coy on the topic, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed the club’s intention of sending Kershaw to the mound on March 28 when they host the Arizona Diamondbacks. But days later, the Dodgers’ ace became dogged by shoulder inflammation.
Kershaw was shut down for several days and prescribed anti-inflammatory medication.