The Los Angeles Dodgers have a day off after completing their homestand with a series against the New York Mets, then will face another postseason hopeful in the San Diego Padres.
This week’s series at Petco Park is the first between the two teams since the Padres swept a home series from June 21-23. It marked their first time accomplishing as much at Petco Park since September 2010.
Of course, the Dodgers have a new-look roster compared to that matchup, most notably with the additions of Max Scherzer and Trea Turner. Scherzer is the listed probable to start Wednesday on regular rest.
As for the series opener, the Dodgers hope to welcome Julio Urias back from the 10-day injured list on the first day he is eligible to be activated. “We haven’t announced it, but it’s trending that way,” manager Dave Roberts.
Urias was placed on the 10-day IL last week with a left calf contusion that was a result of getting hit by a pitch during his outing at Citi Field. At the time of the roster move the Dodgers express confidence Urias would only miss the minimum amount of time required.
Kelly on assignment
The Dodgers have been without Joe Kelly since Aug. 10 when he was placed on the IL for an undisclosed reason. Kelly joined Low-A Rancho Cucamonga this past Friday for a rehab assignment, and is scheduled to pitch again Sunday night.
“He was rusty. Stuff was good, rusty,” Roberts said of Kelly’s first game with the Quakes. “He started as an opener, he’s going to pitch [Sunday] out of the ‘pen, throw an innings. I expect him to be good and activate him in that San Diego series.”
Betts’ targeting Padres series
Like with Urias and Kelly, the Dodgers are hopeful — if not expecting — have Mookie Betts back against the Padres. Though in his case, it would likely only be for one game.
“He’ll take some at-bats,” Roberts said of Betts participating in a simulated game on Monday. “And my assumption is he’ll do it again on Tuesday, be off Wednesday and if all goes well, activate him on Thursday.”
Prior to Sunday’s game, Betts took batting practice, fielded grounders at third base, played right field, complete a baserunning drill and played long toss, all without any signs of being limited by the right hip inflammation that’s dogged him all season.
“Really encouraged,” Roberts said. “I think with a player who’s been going through some things, you can tell by their disposition and demeanor, he’s in such a good place emotionally right now, which speaks to how his body feels.”
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