Along with starting pitchers Clayton Kershaw and Rich Hill, the Los Angeles Dodgers additionally began the regular season without reliever Tony Cingrani, who was placed on the 10-day injured list with left shoulder inflammation.
Cingrani made just four Cactus League appearances before being shut down with the same injury that limited him to only 30 games last season. Despite the setback, Cingrani faced a much shorter recovery timeline this time around.
He began a throwing program at the end of March and recently took the mound for an extended Spring Training game at Camelback Ranch. Cingrani most notably displayed excellent command of his pitches, leaving Dodgers manager Dave Roberts encouraged by the results.
Roberts additionally indicated that the left-hander could begin a Minor League rehab assignment as early as next week, via Ken Gurnick of MLB.com:
“He threw one inning, 15 pitches, 90-92 [mph], slider was really good, best he’s felt,” said Roberts. “I could see in the next week, get him out to an affiliate. Then you start back-to-back days, one-plus, see how he responds. But today was really positive day for Tony.”
Considering how long Cingrani was sidelined last season with the shoulder inflammation, the progression he has made to this point has certainly been encouraging.
Given the early struggles of the Dodgers bullpen this season, the unit will welcome Cingrani back with open arms, who has provided Roberts a reliable weapon when healthy.
Over parts of two seasons in Los Angeles, Cingrani owns a 3.86 ERA, 2.11 FIP and 1.10 WHIP with 64 strikeouts against 12 walks over 42 innings pitched (52 games).
