While the Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen is coming off a poor showing last series against the Los Angeles Angels, they have a trio of arms currently on the injured list working their way back that conceivably will provide a boost.
The losses of Michael Kopech, Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates were all pretty evenly spaced out over the course of a month. While Scott and Yates haven’t been at their best this season, their presence would still benefit the team.
It hasn’t helped matters that Brock Stewart, who was the Dodgers’ big get at the traded deadline, recently landed on the 15-day IL with right shoulder inflammation.
Fortunately for the Dodgers, they anticipate Yates, Scott and Kopech to return sometime soon.
Dodgers updates
Kirby Yates
Yates faced hitters on Wednesday and is scheduled to do so again on Saturday. That could then be followed by a short rehab assignment.
“Kirby is going to be the next off the IL, so I think that’s encouraging,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.
Tanner Scott
Following in the footsteps of Kopech and Yates, Scott took his turn of pitching in a simulated game this week. He threw 22 pitches in the exercise at Dodger Stadium on Friday, which was Scott’s first time facing batters since being put on the injured list.
“Good. Everything felt good, ball is coming out good,” Scott said. “Ready to see what’s next.”
Scott has been on the IL since July 22 with left elbow inflammation. It’s the first time in his career he has dealt with an arm issue, and his body has responded well to treatment.
“Pretty good after some meds, whatever they were. I forget what it was, and a cortisone shot. Everything feels good,” Scott said.
The Dodgers initially had planned for Scott to throw live batting practice next week, but decided to accelerate his timeline. The left-hander ot only feels prepared now, but has been ready since earlier in the week.
“I feel like I was ready to do it a few days ago, but it’s just whatever the team says. Just going to follow that,” Scott noted.
He added the Dodgers have not yet communicated to him what the next step in his progression would be.
With his activation close at hand, Scott will finally be able help make a difference like he has wanted to throughout his time being unavailable. He’s hoping for good results in an important stretch with the San Diego Padres so that he can help the Dodgers continue the momentum one he returns.
“I just want to be a part of every series,” Scott said. “Watching games when you’re not there is kind of miserable, because you want to be a part of it. This series, hopefully we come out with a lot of Ws and I get activated soon.”
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