The Los Angeles Dodgers are in dire need of healthy starting pitchers, as Ross Stripling and Alex Wood are the only current member of the rotation who have not been forced to the disabled list because of injury over the last month and a half.
With Dennis Santana and Walker Buehler both getting hurt in the past week, the team is currently without starters for both of the games of their upcoming two-game series against the Texas Rangers on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively, at Dodger Stadium.
While they will likely need to turn to their Minor League system or a bullpen game on Tuesday, it appears Kenta Maeda could possibly return from his hip injury and start on Wednesday, via Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
Dave Roberts said “we still don’t have a starter for Tuesday.” There are “in house” options in organization. Kenta Maeda a good option for Wednesday if bullpen session goes well today #Dodgers
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) June 10, 2018
Maeda threw a bullpen session on Sunday, his final test before a possible return, and according to Pedro Moura of The Athletic, he came out of it feeling well, which is a positive sign:
Kenta Maeda threw a bullpen and says he feels ready to start Wednesday. The Dodgers kind of need him to do that.
— Pedro Moura (@pedromoura) June 10, 2018
on went well.
Maeda last started on May 29 against the Philadelphia Phillies, lasting just 1.2 innings before being forced to leave with the hip injury. If he is able to return on Wednesday, then he will only have missed around two weeks of action.
If Maeda is unable to go on Wednesday, then the Dodgers will be forced to piece together a pitching staff for both games against the Rangers, which won’t be easy.
As part of our efforts to help you understand how we handle the personal information you share with us, and in preparation for the new European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), we’ve updated our Privacy & Cookies Policy. The updated Privacy & Cookies Policy will take effect on May 22, 2018. By using our services on or after that date, you’ll be agreeing to our updated Privacy & Cookies Policy. We recommend that you read our updated Privacy & Cookies Policy in full.
