Watch: Clayton Kershaw hit by line drive, stays in game (video).

MESA, Ariz. — The Dodgers held their collective breath for a moment Friday when Clayton Kershaw was struck in the face by a line drive off the bat of Oakland’s Andy Parrino.

In the third inning of the Cactus League game at HoHoKam Stadium, Kershaw was a bit late raising up his glove to deflect the baseball. He appeared to be struck on his left cheek or jaw, then sat on the ground while his teammates gathered around the mound.

Dodgers head athletic trainer Stan Conte sprung out of the dugout and examined Kershaw, who eventually threw a warm-up pitch and was allowed to remain in the game.

With runners on first and third base, Kershaw retired Coco Crisp on a line drive on his next pitch. An RBI single by Craig Gentry gave the A’s their first run later in the inning.

Kershaw remained in the game to pitch the fourth inning. The 2014 MVP/Cy Young Award winner is making his fourth spring training start.

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About J.P. Hoornstra

J.P. Hoornstra covers the Dodgers, Angels and Major League Baseball for the Orange County Register, Los Angeles Daily News, Long Beach Press-Telegram, Torrance Daily Breeze, San Gabriel Valley Tribune, Pasadena Star-News, San Bernardino Sun, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, Whittier Daily News and Redlands Daily Facts. Before taking the beat in 2012, J.P. covered the NHL for four years. UCLA gave him a degree once upon a time; when he graduated on schedule, he missed getting Arnold Schwarzenegger's autograph on his diploma by five months.