The Los Angeles Dodgers have battled through numerous injuries to their pitching staff this season, but things are starting to improve for them with multiple players close to returning.
Among them, Tyler Glasnow is an option to start next week, and Emmet Sheehan is returning Sunday. Two more key Dodgers pitchers, Blake Snell and Blake Treinen, have also been on the injured list for much of the season.
But both have been facing hitters, and Snell threw two simulated innings at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, which was his final step before starting a rehab assignment.
“Blake looked good. It looked really good,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “I think the plan next week is he’ll probably go out on rehab. So we’ll leave here for Milwaukee tomorrow, and he’ll probably stay back to throw a ‘pen and start his rehab. I’m not sure where, but the thought is two innings sometime late next week.”
Snell has been able to use all of his pitches, which was also an important step before beginning to make starts in Minor League games.
“I don’t know what the with the velo was, but the ball was coming out really well,” Roberts said. “He used his entire pitch mix. I thought the delivery was clean, sharp. So really positive day. Obviously he’s going to want to be perfect, but I really feel that he’s ready to go out and start making that progression.”
Treinen pitched one simulated inning after Snell, and he’s closing in on a rehab assignment now as well. Both of them should be options to return in the middle to end of July.
“Blake Treinen I thought was really good as well,” Roberts said. “So Blake will probably be going out at some point in time, too. Both those guys should be ready at some point in time shortly after the All-Star break.”
Snell has been on the injured list since April 6 (backdated to April 3) due to left shoulder inflammation. He was then transferred to the 60-day IL on May 17.
Treinen was placed on the 15-day IL in the middle of April due to what the Dodgers described as a low-grade right forearm strain. He was transferred to the 60-day IL on May 1.
Injured Dodgers pitchers starting to get healthy
The Dodgers have a significant lead in the National League West despite all the injuries they’ve dealt with. And with the team they envisioned starting to come together, the team is bullish on the outlook moving forward.
“It feels good,” Roberts said. “We’re still not there yet, but I think we can see a little squint of light.
“It’s taken a little bit longer than we’ve all expected or hoped for, as far as getting our guys together. So we haven’t gotten there yet, but we’re hopeful and excited.”
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