Outside of Brandon McCarthy and Frankie Montas, who both were recovering from respective surgeries when camp opened, the Los Angeles Dodgers have dealt with a few bumps and bruises during Spring Training.
Perhaps most notably was Brett Anderson undergoing arthroscopic back surgery for a bulging disk that’s going to sideline him for the next three to five months. There was also some concern with Hyun-Jin Ryu’s recovery from last year’s shoulder surgery as he didn’t throw for one week due to discomfort in his surgically repaired shoulder.
Ryu has since resumed throwing on consecutive days without issue, though a specific return date has not been established.
Albeit under circumstances not nearly as disconcerting as the pitching staff, the Dodgers’ infield depth has been tested through the early stages of spring.
Justin Turner has yet to appear in a Cactus League game, while Alex Guerrero (knee soreness) last played on March 4, and Howie Kendrick (groin soreness) on March 5.
According to Ken Gurnick of MLB.com, Turner has participated in games on the Minor League side at Camelback Ranch and hopes to start as the designated hitter on Monday when the Dodgers host the Milwaukee Brewers:
Justin Turner said he's hopeful to make his Cactus League debut Monday as DH. Been in Minor League games with no setback from knee surgery.
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) March 11, 2016
Despite not yet participating in a game, Turner is expected to be fully recovered from offseason knee surgery by Opening Day. As for Kendrick, he may return to game action next week and will spend time until then getting at-bats on the back fields, via AM 570 LA Sports Radio DodgerTalk host David Vassegh:
Howie Kendrick will not play in Cactus League games until next week. He will get AB's on back fields until then. #Dodgers
— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) March 11, 2016
During his time out of the lineup, Kendrick has been able to participate in batting practice and field grounders. Kendrick missed 34 games last season because of a strained left hamstring.
It’s widely presumed out of Guerrero, Kendrick and Turner, that Guerrero will be the first to return. Yasmani Grandal joined the list of those with nicks and bruises, as he’s dealing with a right arm contusion that is expected to keep him out of the next few games.
