Preliminary Semi-Halfway Possibly Decent News on Kershaw

Clayton Kershaw's Hip

Per Mike Fiammetta writing for MLB.com:

Clayton Kershaw was examined Tuesday by a hip specialist, who said the reigning National League Cy Young Award winner can continue to pitch without risking further damage to his right hip, but the Dodgers will not allow Kershaw to take the mound if the pain persists.

While the team traveled to Washington on Tuesday for a series opener with the Nationals that was postponed by rain, Kershaw was examined by Dr. Bryan Kelly at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. Kelly agreed with the initial diagnosis made by team physician Neal ElAttrache that Kershaw has an impingement of the right hip, meaning the joint is pinched during rotation of the hip while pitching.

The team said Kershaw would resume his throwing program on Tuesday, though manager Don Mattingly did not commit to any decision regarding his ace's spot in the rotation. The Dodgers entered Tuesday one game behind the Cardinals for the second Wild Card spot in the National League.

Still sounds iffy, and I hope they are overly cautious. Clay is too valuable to risk long term injury for short term futility.

Image: February 17, 2012 - Source: David Livingston/Getty Images North America