"Dodgers Cy Young winner Clayton Kershaw missed his first bullpen session of Spring Training on Wednesday as a precautionary measure due to mild back tightness.

Kershaw, who signed a two-year, $19 million contract earlier this month, referred questions to the club's athletic training department. A team spokesman said Kershaw felt a tight muscle in the middle of his back during workouts before reporting earlier this week.

Wednesday was the first workout at Camelback Ranch-Glendale for pitchers and catchers, and Kershaw was originally in the first day's group to throw bullpen sessions. He did play catch and worked out at the various stations. He is not expected to throw a bullpen session before Friday."