In needing five games to outlast the San Diego Padres and advance out of the National League Division Series for the first time since 2021, the Los Angeles Dodgers were left with just one off day before resuming their October run.
Awaiting them was the New York Mets, who eliminated the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday. Game 1 of the NL Championship Series is at Dodger Stadium on Sunday.
After navigating a regular season in which injuries consistently threatened to throw them off course, the Dodgers still are far from healthy and matters have only worsened.
Alex Vesia suffered an intercostal injury during Game 5 against the Padres, and isn’t considered likely to be on the Dodgers’ playoff roster for the NLCS.
Meanwhile, Freddie Freeman (sprained right ankle) and Miguel Rojas (left adductor tear) also are varying degrees of a question mark.
Dodgers NLDS notes
Miguel Rojas
Rojas ran bases during the Dodgers’ NLCS workout on Saturday, and conceivably could be replaced on the postseason roster. Rojas did not play in the final two games of the NLDS.
“I want to kind of see how the guys — mainly Rojas — how he moves around today,” Roberts said.
Freddie Freeman
Freeman should be in the Dodgers lineup for Game 1 of the NLCS, but his status likely will continue to be evaluated each day.
Roberts did note Freeman’s condition was improved Saturday than the day before, but acknowledged the Dodgers may look for opportunities to get him rest and playing a day game Monday after a night game does present a challenge.
Joe Kelly and Brusdar Graterol
Brusdar Graterol was deemed week-to-week upon being put on the 15-day injured list in late September because of right shoulder discomfort.
Joe Kelly didn’t make the Dodgers roster for the NLDS because of a shoulder injury suffered in their workouts during the bye week.
“They’re not going to be options,” answered Roberts when asked if either relief pitcher was an option for the NLCS.
Brent Honeywell
Because of the injury status with Vesia, Graterol and Kelly, Brent Honeywell could be added onto the Dodgers roster.
The right-hander ended the season on the 15-day IL because of a cracked fingernail issue but has regularly pitched live batting practice during playoff workouts.
“He’s still got this finger thing, but he certainly is in the mix,” Roberts said.
Honeywell could be of particular value given the best-of-seven NLCS format and his ability to pitch multiple innings.
James Outman
The Dodgers don’t have — or need — a shortstop to replace Rojas if he isn’t active for the NLCS, and it could create a chance for James Outman to be added.
Kevin Kiermaier
Rojas’ injury could lead to the Dodgers electing to carry Kevin Kiermaier, who likely would be a defensive replacement if the Dodgers continue to shift players around as a means of aiding Freeman.
Tony Gonsolin
Elsewhere on the pitching front, the door remains slightly open for Tony Gonsolin to return in 2024.
“He’s here, he’s on the table. He’s an option,” Roberts said. “We’ve got some other guys, obviously, that we’ve had. But Tony is an option. He’s in there.”
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