Dodgers put Clayton Kershaw on injured list ahead of opener

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LOS ANGELES (AP) — Clayton Kershaw has been placed on the Los Angeles Dodgers' injured list, officially ending his franchise-record streak of eight consecutive opening day starts.

The Dodgers announced the move Thursday before they faced Arizona.

The move is retroactive to Monday, allowing Kershaw to return by April 4.

Kershaw developed inflammation in his left shoulder early in spring training, but the Dodgers waited nearly a month to determine whether Kershaw could be ready for opening day.

The 31-year-old ace has missed playing time in each of the past three seasons due to injuries. The three-time Cy Young Award winner went 9-5 with a 2.73 ERA last year and was 2-3 with a 4.20 ERA during the Dodgers' postseason run to the World Series.