Kershaw shut down indefinitely after more back pain

This is not what the Los Angeles Dodgers wanted to hear.

Manager Dave Roberts did not sound optimistic when he provided an update on ace Clayton Kershaw's rehab from a nagging back injury. Kershaw "didn't feel great" while throwing his simulated game on Saturday, Roberts told reporters, and that the left-hander's return is "uncertain."

The plan now, apparently, is for the team to shut Kershaw down until his back pain simply goes away. Roberts added the 28-year-old will undergo another examination in the coming days.

Kershaw was in the midst of a record-setting season when back pain sent him to the disabled list following his last start on June 26, when he allowed an uncharacteristic four runs over six innings against Pittsburgh. He's struck out 145 batters and walked just nine this season, to go along with a 1.79 ERA.

On Monday, the Dodgers said Kershaw's 60-pitch simulated game had been a success, and they were content to not rush the prized left-hander back to the mound despite facing a 5 1/2-game deficit in the NL West.