The Los Angeles Dodgers have dealt with a multitude of injuries this season, and they’re finally starting to get near full health as the stretch run begins.
Edwin Díaz and Kiké Hernández became the latest players to return from their respective injuries, and now, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow and Will Smith are all making progress.
Shohei Ohtani also returned to the Dodgers lineup on Friday after missing the previous game due to left knee discomfort.
The timing is excellent for the Dodgers with the trade deadline approaching on Aug. 3, because any clarity on injuries will help them make decisions on potential roster moves.
Blake Snell
Snell made his third rehab start on July 29, and now the plan is for the left-hander to go out for one more before returning to the Dodgers.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts wasn’t sure which exact day Snell will make that last start, but the hope is that he builds up to five innings and 75 pitches.
“Obviously, as we sit here on Friday, it’s going to be next week,” Roberts said. “Whether it’s Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, I’m not sure. It’s somewhere in the middle of the week, and it’ll hopefully be five and 75.”
If Snell pitches Wednesday, that would give him six days of rest, and align him on the Dodgers’ normal pitching schedule for their starters.
Tyler Glasnow
Glasnow threw two innings at Dodger Stadium in a live session on Wednesday, and depending on how he came out of that, it would determine his next steps.
Glasnow and the Dodgers both expect him to start a rehab assignment, and that still remains the plan. However, the Dodgers have not yet set which day he will go out, or which level he’ll pitch for.
“We’re still working that out, but my assumption is going to go out on rehab, and I’m not sure when and where,” Roberts said.
Will Smith
Smith was recently cleared for baseball activities, which included lifting and throwing, after getting past the pain from the inflamed disc in his neck. On Friday, Smith took another step and started his hitting progression.
“Yeah, I think he’s going to start his hitting progression today,” Roberts said. “So my assumption is in the cage and take some swings. But that’s a good thing for Will, absolutely.”
The Dodgers don’t have a set timeline for his return, but things continue to trend up for the backstop.
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