Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw Undergoes MRI on Back Injury; Results Come Back Clean

One day after being placed on the injured list, Los Angeles Dodgers star Clayton Kershaw received good news about his ailing back. 

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters prior to Friday's game against the San Francisco Giants that Kershaw's MRI returned clean and that the team is "encouraged" about his prognosis. 

Roberts added the three-time National League Cy Young winner was in better spirits and will receive additional treatment Friday. 

The Dodgers announced prior to Thursday's season opener that Kershaw had back stiffness and was placed on the 10-day injured list. 

Roberts said after his team's 8-1 win that Kershaw suffered the injury during a workout Tuesday and decided to proceed with caution rather than have the southpaw try to make his scheduled start in the first game. 

Kershaw has dealt with a series of injuries in recent years, including multiple issues with his back. The 32-year-old missed two months during the 2016 season with a herniated disc in his back and five weeks in 2017 due to a strained lower back. 

The Dodgers recalled Dustin May to start for Kershaw on Thursday. The right-hander allowed one run on seven hits and recorded four strikeouts over 4.1 strikeouts in the team's 8-1 victory. 

If Kershaw is able to return as soon as he's eligible, his first start could be on Aug. 2 against the Arizona Diamondbacks.