Clayton Kershaw Not Worried About Health: 'Maybe It's Just a Fluke Injury'

Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw shrugged off concern Wednesday regarding the cause and long-term impact of the biceps tendinitis that landed him on the 10-day disabled list this week.

According to Tim Brown of Yahoo Sports, Kershaw doesn't believe his injury has anything to do with the heavy workload he has shouldered during his career:

"I don't think so. I've joked about being old. I don't think it has anything to do with deterioration. I just think there's some things I can do to get better. Physically, I've felt great this whole year. Back, everything, has felt really good. So, I'm not worried about deteriorating. I think I'll be all right. ... Maybe it's just a fluke injury and it won't ever happen again."

The Dodgers and Kershaw have yet to reveal a timetable for his return.

Injuries have become commonplace for the three-time Cy Young Award winner in recent years, as he spent time on the DL in 2016 and 2017 with back ailments.

His latest injury is the first sign of trouble when it comes to his pitching arm, however.

Before this trip to the DL, the likely future Hall of Famer was enjoying another strong year with a 2.86 ERA and 48 strikeouts in 44 innings, although he only had a record of 1-4 due to a lack of run support.

The Dodgers are struggling with key injuries. Pitchers Hyun-Jin Ryu (groin strain) and Julio Urias (shoulder surgery), third baseman Justin Turner (broken wrist), outfielder Yasiel Puig (hip, foot) and shortstop Corey Seager (Tommy John surgery) are all on the DL along with Kershaw.

L.A. is fourth in the NL West at 15-20, and it is already in danger of missing the playoffs for the first time since 2012.

With Kershaw on the shelf, there is more pressure on the likes of Alex Wood, Rich Hill and Kenta Maeda to turn around the Dodgers' floundering season.