The Los Angeles Dodgers addressed the backend of their bullpen with the signing of starting pitcher-turned reliever Tom Koehler during the offseason. He looked to fill the vacancy of former setup man Brandon Morrow, who departed for a closer role with the Chicago Cubs.
However, those initial plans were altered when Koehler suffered a mild strain of the anterior capsule in his throwing shoulder in his second Spring Training appearance. He has been sidelined ever since but is nevertheless making strides towards a return.
Earlier this month, Koehler took the next step in returning to the mound by advancing to a long distance throwing routine. On Monday, his progress continued after tossing a 15-pitch bullpen session at Dodger Stadium for the first time since landing on the disabled list.
Afterward, Koehler revealed that he isn’t ruling out potentially making his 2018 debut before the All-Star Break.
But on the flip side, he isn’t necessarily anticipating that outcome, either, per Andy McCullough of the L.A. Times:
“It’s possible,” Koehler said. “But I also wouldn’t be shocked if I wasn’t.”
Koehler and the Dodgers have taken a cautious approach throughout his entire recovery process, so it wouldn’t be surprising if the team opts to preserve him until the second half. The right-hander is in the midst of rebuilding his arm strength and faces a lengthy rehab assignment when he’s finally cleared.
When deemed healthy, Koehler will further strengthen the Dodgers bullpen and offer another intriguing right-handed option to help bridge the gap to Kenley Jansen, joining the likes of Pedro Baez, Josh Fields, Yimi Garcia and Daniel Hudson.
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