Dodgers place Kershaw on IL

The Los Angeles Dodgers placed veteran left-hander Clayton Kershaw on the injured list with right SI joint inflammation, the team announced Friday.

L.A. expects it to be a short-term injury, according to the Orange County Register's J.P. Hoornstra.

Inflammation in the SI joint, which is situated where the lower spine and pelvis connect, causes lower back pain. Kershaw has been hampered by back pain throughout parts of his decorated 15-year career.

The hurler underwent an MRI that came back "normal" and revealed no structural damage, according to MLB.com's Sarah Wexler. Kershaw added he isn't feeling great right now but remains hopeful he'll only need the minimum 15-day stint on the injured list.

Kershaw's injury is a blow to the Dodgers' rotation given his terrific start. The 34-year-old is 4-0 with a 1.80 ERA, 2.25 FIP, 9.6 K/9, and just three walks in 30 innings across five starts for the NL West's top team.

Walker Buehler will start for the Dodgers against the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday.

Los Angeles recalled left-hander Garrett Cleavinger to take Kershaw's spot on the active roster.