Yency Almonte has been on the 15-day injured list since August 12 due to an MCL sprain in his right knee suffered the night prior while attempting to seal a win for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The 29-year-old hoped to make a relatively quick return, but initially dealt with lingering trouble from the right knee injury. He has since thrown multiple bullpen sessions but is still a ways from pitching in a big league game.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts suggested the National League Championship Series as a potential return timeline for Almonte. “I think so,” Roberts said. “I think he had a simulated game today of 23 pitches or something like that. Came out of it well.
“I think the next one is scheduled for Monday or Tuesday. With Yency, I think best-case scenario is if we’re fortunate enough to get to the CS.”
Almonte has had an up-and-down year as he is 3-2 with a 5.06 ERA, 4.60 FIP, 1.40 WHIP and 9.2 strikeouts per nine in 48 innings pitched across 49 appearances.
The right-hander posted a career-best 1.02 ERA in 33 games last season.
Dodgers NLDS pitching staff without Yency Almonte
The Dodgers secured a spot in the NL Division Series and will soon begin assembling their 13-man pitching staff.
As it currently stands, Ryan Brasier, Caleb Ferguson, Brusdar Graterol, Joe Kelly, Clayton Kershaw, Lance Lynn, Bobby Miller, Shelby Miller, Ryan Pepiot, Evan Phillips and Ryan Yarbrough are considered likely-to-sure locks for the postseason roster.
That leaves two openings for the likes of Michael Grove, Emmet Sheehan and Alex Vesia, partly due to Almonte not being available because of his MCL injury.
Daniel Hudson and Blake Treinen also aren’t considered likely to pitch in the playoffs.
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