Los Angeles Dodgers Clayton Kershaw scratchout from Game 2

ARLINGTON, Texas – Clayton Kershaw has been barred from his Game 2 appearance in the National League Championship Series due to back spasms that the Los Angeles Dodgers announced Tuesday morning, six hours before the first pitch from Globe Life Park.

Tony Gonsolin, a rogue, will start in Kershaw’s place.

The 32-year-old Karshaw experienced a career renaissance this season, displaying a deep slider and a strong fastball, posting a 2.16 ERA, 0.84 WHIP and 7.75 strike-to-walk ratio in his innings of 58 runs. The Dodgers were counting on him especially after losing 1 of a best-of-seven series to the Atlanta Braves on Monday night.

This is the first time he has prepared for Kresh since the scratch a few hours before the start of his opening day. The left-handed players were ready for 10 days after the injury list expired.

Gonsolin has been one of the best cheaters in a crowded field for the National League Rookie of the Year Award, posting a 2.31 ERA, a 0.84 WHIP and 6.57 strike-to-walk ratio in 46⅔ innings. Going to Gonsoline in Game 2 means that Julio Urias will probably go to Game 3. After that, it gets complicated, especially after Dustin May faced eight batters in a 5–1 loss on Monday.

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