An elbow strain will keep the Dodgers ace away from the mound for a while.

The Dodgers are placing Walker Buehler on the injured list after Buehler suffered a flexor strain in his right elbow. This will place Buehler's timetable for a return around later this season since he'll be forced out for six to eight weeks. 

On Friday night, Buehler left after just four innings against the San Francisco Giants as his elbow began bothering him. Buehler was placed on the 15-day IL on Saturday and then flew to Los Angeles for an MRI.

Buehler, who is 27 years old, went through Tommy John surgery in 2015, shortly after Los Angeles selected him from Vanderbilt with the 24th pick in the amateur draft. Buehler is 6-3 as a starter this season with a 4.02 ERA.

In regards to the injury, Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts said: "He's our Opening Day starter, so to lose him in any capacity is a blow. Hopefully, we'll get him back sooner than later."

Although losing Buehler is terrible news for the Dodgers, they did activate Clayton Kershaw. The LHP gave up two runs in four innings in the Dodgers' 3-2 loss to the San Francisco Giants.

At this point, it's great news that the Dodgers have Kershaw back, but he's still dealing with back injuries. The team has called up right-hander Michael Grove from Triple-A Oklahoma City.

LA Dodgers 1B Freddie Freeman said: "When you lose one of the best pitchers in the game, it's a big blow to anybody."

After losing three straight games to the San Francisco Giants, the Dodgers will face the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday, June 14. 

Expected to start in that game is Tony Gonsolin, who has a 7-0 record as a starter with a 1.58 ERA.