Dodgers place Clayton Kershaw on injured list

LOS ANGELES — On the day he was supposed to make his sixth start of the season, Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw was instead placed on the injured list with right SI joint inflammation, the team announced.

The severity of Kershaw’s sacroiliac joint injury, and a potential timetable for his return, were not immediately disclosed.

Walker Buehler will start Friday’s game instead. He will be on normal four days’ rest.

Left-handed reliever Garrett Cleavinger was recalled in a corresponding move.

Kershaw’s injury halts what had been an encouraging start to his 15th MLB season. After re-signing with the Dodgers this offseason on a one-year contract, the 34year-old was 4-0 with a 1.80 ERA in five starts.

He had shown no signs of ailment before Friday’s announcement.

The SI joints are in the hip, where the lower spine and pelvis connect. When they become inflamed, they can cause lower back pain, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Without Kershaw, the Dodgers will have to find more starting pitching depth amid the busiest part of their schedule so far. The team is currently in a stretch of 31 games in 30 days, and has a doubleheader on Tuesday.

In addition to Buehler, the team’s current rotation also includes Julio Urías, Tony Gonsolin and Tyler Anderson. Prospect Ryan Pepiot made his MLB debut Wednesday before being optioned Thursday, but is a candidate to come back and start one of Tuesday’s games, according to manager Dave Roberts.