The Los Angeles Dodgers could be without Clayton Kershaw for four to six weeks, US media reported Monday, although the team had yet to confirm a timetable for their star pitcher's return from back trouble.

Kershaw departed Sunday's 5-4 win over Atlanta with tightness in his lower back.

He missed 10 weeks in 2016 with a herniated disk.

Kershaw's early exit struck fear in the hearts of Dodgers fans with the club leading the National League West division by 10 1/2 games and dreaming of the team's first World Series title since 1988.

Kershaw was 15-2 with a 2.07 earned-run-average before Sunday's game and appeared headed for a fourth Cy Young Award-winning season -- or even Most Valuable Player honors.

He was to be further examined on Monday by specialist Robert Watkins, the same doctor who diagnosed Kershaw's herniated disk, which did not require surgery

Source: AFP