Dodgers’ Buehler goes on IL with forearm strain

SAN FRANCISCO — Los Angeles Dodgers ace Walker Buehler won’t throw for six-to-eight weeks because of a flexor strain in his right elbow, making late this season the most optimistic timetable for his return to a major league mound.

Buehler was forced to leave Friday’s San Francisco start after four innings because his elbow started bothering him. Buehler expressed concern after the game. He said that he has had some soreness in his elbow over the years and that he was still experiencing it occasionally.

Buehler was placed on the 15-day injured list Saturday and flew to Los Angeles for an MRI. When asked if Buehler could pitch again for Los Angeles this season, Dave Roberts, Dodgers manager, said “as far as I know, yes.” If Buehler decides to resume throwing after six weeks, he will need to increase his arm strength and throw bullpens before he can be assigned a minor league injury rehabilitation assignment.

The 27-year-old Buehler underwent Tommy John surgery in 2015, shortly after Los Angeles selected him from Vanderbilt with the 24th overall pick in the amateur draft. Buehler, a two-time All-Star is 6-3 and has a 4. 02 ERA in 12 starts.

“He is our Opening Day starter, so losing him in any capacity would be a tragedy,” Roberts stated. “Hopefully, we will get him back sooner rather than later. “

Left-hander Clayton Kershaw was activated from the 15-day IL to start against San Francisco after missing a month with a back injury. He gave up two runs over four innings, working on a 70-pitch limit, in Los Angeles’ 3-2 loss to the Giants.

The Dodgers recalled right-hander Michael Grove from Triple-A Oklahoma City and optioned lefty Justin Bruihl to the Pacific Coast League team.

“When you lose one of the best pitchers in the game, it’s a big blow to anybody,” Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman said of Buehler’s absence.