GLENDALE, Ariz. — Clayton Kershaw will not open the 2019 season on the Dodgers' active roster.
A day after saying Kershaw would not make the Opening Day start for the Dodgers – the first time since 2010 – Manager Dave Roberts took it a step further Tuesday and said he doesn't expect Kershaw to be on the active roster when the Dodgers start the season against the Arizona Diamondbacks on March 28.
Roberts also said he does not expect Kershaw to pitch during the three-game Freeway Series against the Angels on Sunday through Tuesday. That will allow the Dodgers to back-date an injured list move to Monday (the maximum) and make Kershaw available to make his season debut on April 4 at the earliest.
Kershaw's spring was interrupted for a week due to shoulder discomfort, requiring him to restart his throwing program. He is scheduled to throw to hitters for the first time Wednesday in a live batting practice session and won't have time to build up sufficiently to make a start in the first week of the season.
A trip to the IL to start the 2019 season will be Kershaw's fifth since midseason 2016.