Several Dodgers season ticket holders are reporting that that they witnessed Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw being struck in the left thigh by a hard line drive during batting practice on Monday afternoon shortly before the Dodgers faced the Philadelphia Phillies in the first of a four-game series at Dodger Stadium.

Kershaw, who is currently nursing his way back from a strained teres major muscle behind his left shoulder, was signing autographs for fans along the left field line in front of the baseline box seats when the incident occurred.

“I don’t think anybody [from the Dodgers training staff] saw it happen,” said Armando Carrasco, a three-year Dodgers season Ticket holder. “I’m guessing [Kershaw] didn’t tell anybody. He walked away and started talking with other players.”

Carrasco added that it was a hard line drive that did not bounce before striking the two-time Dodgers Cy Young Award winner.

Kershaw signing autographs during BP is a rare treat for fans. Hopefully Monday’s incident won’t prevent him from continuing to do so. (Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)

Benny Amesquita, another three-year season ticket holder, also witnessed the incident but is uncertain who hit the ball.

“It was in the second group of hitters,” said Amesquita, who arrives early at Dodger Stadium everyday for batting practice. “It might have been [Juan] Uribe or [Yasiel] Puig, I’m not sure. I know it was a right-hander though.”

There was no mention of the incident by Dodgers manager Don Mattingly during his post-game interview on Monday night and Dodgers Director of Publicity Steve Brener said that he heard nothing about it.

“Kershaw is scheduled for another bullpen [session] today,” said Brener. “Then if all is well, he’ll do a rehab start.”