Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw: Headed to DL with ailing back

Kershaw will be placed on the 15-day DL on Thursday after receiving an epidural injection in his lower back, Sportsnet LA's Alanna Rizzo reports.

Analysis:

It was already expected that Kershaw would not make his next scheduled start Friday and now we know the best pitcher in the game will be out through the All-Star break. He will be unable to return from the DL until the first game of the second half on July 15 against the Diamondbacks, although it is unclear if he will need more time than that to get right. The Dodgers have not announced a replacement starter for Friday's game, but Jharel Cotton could be summoned from Triple-A to make the start on normal rest. Jose De Leon could also get the call from Triple-A and pitch on an extra day's rest. Hyun-Jin Ryu and Brandon McCarthy are both nearing a return, but their schedules don't line up for Friday.