The Los Angeles Dodgers are currently dealing with a number of injuries, but it appears that reinforcements are on the way.
Ross Stripling has recovered from neck trouble and right biceps tendinitis is set to begin a rehab assignment this week, and it appears that both Kiké Hernandez and Chris Taylor are not far behind him.
Hernandez has been out since July 24 due to a left hand strain, and Taylor has been dealing with a left forearm fracture. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said both have begun taking dry swings.
“They’re both going to need a rehab assignment, so as we sit here, hopefully by the end of the week, maybe the weekend, we’ll get them out on a rehab assignment,” Roberts said. “But that’s to be seen. Each day as they continue to progress we’ll make that assessment.
“I think Kiké is a couple days ahead of Chris, but they’re kind of in the same bucket.”
Both Hernandez and Taylor are extremely important to what the Dodgers do given their defensive versatility and ability to hit left-handed pitching, so they will gladly be welcomed back whenever they are able to return.
Additionally, Hernandez and Taylor were both swinging the bat extremely well before going down with injuries. Hernandez was hitting .400/.488/.629 with two home runs and nine RBI in his last nine games, while Taylor was slashing .363/.443/.613 with three home runs and 18 RBI in his last 24 games.
The Dodgers’ depth is a big reason why they have built such a big division lead this season, and that has been evident with the likes of Kristopher Negrón and Matt Beaty stepping up while Hernandez and Taylor have been out.
With rosters set to expand on Sept. 1, the Dodgers likely won’t rush any of their injured players back to ensure that they are 100% healthy and ready for what’s expected to be another deep postseason run.
