Kershaw - Sent to AAA (via Sportsline)

[BALCO All-Stars]

Kershaw sent back down to Triple-A

Clayton Kershaw, SP LA
News: The Dodgers optioned struggling rookie SP Clayton Kershaw to Triple-A Las Vegas after the left-hander allowed five runs -- including a pair of homers -- in 2 1/3 innings at Washington on Thursday. He gave up five hits and three walks, striking out two in the loss. He was 2-5 with a 4.56 ERA with the Dodgers, but 0-2 in his last four starts.

Analysis: Kershaw has ace potential and has flashed it at times this season, but the Dodgers can't afford to develop him at the major-league level. They have a playoff push to make. He might return to the majors before season's end, but you obviously can't trust him even if he does. Aside from NL-only leagues, go ahead and cut him in seasonal formats.

[Zhangman1]

WASHINGTON -- After Clayton Kershaw's short start on Thursday forced the bullpen to throw 5 2/3 innings, the Dodgers optioned him to Triple-A Las Vegas and called up Double-A pitcher Scott Elbert to provide bullpen depth.

The move was not a direct result of Kershaw's performance -- it was intended to support the tired Los Angeles 'pen.

Kershaw will still be on track to make his next scheduled start on Tuesday against the Padres. Because Las Vegas' schedule ends on Monday, the Dodgers will not have to wait the typically required 10 days before calling him back up in time to make that start.

Elbert will be making his Major League debut after going 4-1 with a 2.40 ERA for Double-A Jacksonville.

Elbert, the Dodgers' first-round pick in the 2004 First-Year Player Draft, missed almost all of 2007 and the beginning of 2008 while recovering from shoulder surgery.

From MLB.com