Pedro Baez was struck by a comebacker while throwing live batting practice during the spring, and was sent for x-rays on his right thumb. Although they came back negative, Baez stopped throwing for a brief stretch to receive treatment and allow the swelling to subside.
A return to the mound was short-lived, as Baez suffered from residual pain and was shut down a second time. That instance all but ensured the right-handed reliever would not open the season with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Baez was among the six players who were placed on the 10-day disabled list when the team officially set their 2017 Opening Day Roster. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts anticipated Baez would make a relatively quick return and likely join the team during the series against the Chicago Cubs.
However, the second-year manager said Sunday that Baez might not be reinstated until after the Dodgers road trip, per Ken Gurnick of MLB.com:
Roberts said Baez might not be activated until team returns to LA. Might make another rehab appearance.
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) April 9, 2017
Entering Sunday, Baez had made two rehab appearances with Triple-A Oklahoma City. He threw a perfect inning in his first appearance, and allowed two runs on two hits, issued one walk and recorded a strikeout the second time out.
Last season Baez ranked second on the team with 73 appearances. He yielded a 3.04 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, issued 22 walks and struck out 83 over 74 innings. Baez set career highs in innings pitched, games and strikeouts. But his walks were also the most in three seasons with the Dodgers.
