The Los Angeles Dodgers’ starting rotation received a boost this week with the return of Clayton Kershaw. The left-hander, who had been sidelined since Opening Day due to back stiffness, made quite the statement, allowing just three hits in 5.2 scoreless innings against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
With Kershaw back in the fold, the Dodgers are hoping the same can soon be said for Alex Wood. The 29-year-old, who returned to the organization on a one-year contract this past offseason, logged just three innings of work in his first start of the year against the San Francisco Giants.
The Dodgers noticed that Wood’s arm slot had dropped during the outing. A scan confirmed he was dealing with shoulder inflammation, which prompted the club to place him on the 10-day injured list.
While there still isn’t a timeline on when he may be activated, Wood will resume throwing this week. “He’s supposed to pick up a baseball [Monday] or [Tuesday],” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.
“He’s been doing these plyo ball exercises for arm strengthening. He said it’s the best his arm has felt in weeks, so that’s encouraging. Now it’s more of getting him into a throwing progression and seeing where that leads. There’s really no timeline right now.”
While Roberts couldn’t offer a timeframe on Wood’s return, he maintained that he doesn’t expect the southpaw to have a lengthy stay on the injured list.
Dodgers tapping into pitching depth
With Wood on the mend, the Dodgers considered a handful of pitchers to start in his place against the Diamondbacks last Friday. Tony Gonsolin ultimately got the nod, and he didn’t disappoint, allowing just one hit in four shutout innings.
The right-hander has since been optioned, with Mitch White taking his spot on the active roster. However, the 25-year-old didn’t appear in a game before being sent back down himself to make room for Kershaw.
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