Clayton Kershaw injury update: Should Dodgers fans be worried about his status?

Clayton Kershaw faced the minimum over six innings of work on Tuesday night. He allowed just one hit against the Colorado Rockies. But after the sixth, he told Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts that he was "done."

Uh oh. Fans have been beyond thankful they've gotten this far into the season without Kershaw injury troubles because he's missed time in some capacity from 2016-2022. After 16 starts and a 2.55 ERA and 1.05 WHIP, Kershaw may have to miss his next outing and get some extended rest over the All-Star break.

Still, though, we have no idea what's going on. Roberts spoke to the media, stating the IL could be a possibility, but had a bunch of weird commentary that followed. He said he "wouldn't be opposed to that," as if it'd be his choice? And that Kershaw has the right to discuss whether or not he's going on the IL? What? Is he just telling us how baseball and conversations work?

It also doesn't help that fans have been assured that Kershaw will not be getting an MRI for what is not a back injury. The left-hander also did not address the media on Tuesday or Wednesday.

So how worried should we be about Kershaw's status moving forward? Because, let's be honest, if he has to miss any time beyond his next start, the Dodgers could be in serious trouble.

Clayton Kershaw injury update: Should Dodgers fans be worried about his status?

Julio Urías is thankfully returning this weekend, but there's no telling what the left-hander will bring to the table after his rollercoaster 2023 season that was derailed by a hamstring injury. He's been out since May 19. It helps he's returning to face the Royals, but he's also gotten rocked by the Cardinals, Pirates and Cubs this year.

Kershaw's been the unquestioned leader of the rotation and the lone consistent force of that unit with Urías, Tony Gonsolin, Dustin May, Noah Syndergaard and Ryan Pepiot all going down at various points this season. Michael Grove has been bad. Gavin Stone couldn't handle MLB competition. Bobby Miller has come crashing back down to earth.

The bullpen has experienced a bit of revival in recent weeks, but it'll be further taxed if the rotation's workhorse (Kershaw averages six innings per start) is unavailable for multiple starts.

Kershaw has avoided the IL "for now," but a lack of clarity on what's affecting him is always a reason to be worried, especially with the amount of ailments he's suffered from for the last eight years.

The future Hall of Famer is on track to make 30 starts for the first time since 2015. He was as durable as starting pitchers come from 2008-2015. Hopefully, he can turn back the clock and give the Dodgers a dose of one of those yesteryear campaigns, but for now we'll wait with bated breath for the next update.