Los Angeles Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw receiving back treatment

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed Monday morning that ace Clayton Kershaw was receiving treatment for minor back discomfort.

Kershaw gave up nine hits and four runs during a 4-3 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday night, both marking his second-highest numbers of the season, but Roberts insisted the back was not an issue. Kershaw was on the field Monday morning at PNC Park for his regular workout the day following a start, and Roberts said the lower-back discomfort is an "off-and-on issue," per ESPN.

He spent time on the disabled list in 2014 with a back injury that was diagnosed as inflammation of the Teres Major muscle in his upper back.

Roberts said he "absolutely" expects Kershaw to make his next scheduled start on Friday against the Colorado Rockies.