The Los Angeles Dodgers are dealing with a plethora of injuries to their pitching staff, including Tommy Kahnle, who began the season on the injured list while recovering from Tommy John surgery.
The right-hander made his 2022 debut on May 1 and pitched to a 6.75 ERA in four appearances before returning to the IL due to right forearm inflammation. An MRI revealed a bone bruise in Kahnle’s right elbow, and he is expected to be out for an extended period.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts provided an update on Kahnle, and while the team hopes to get him back this summer, he has not yet resumed throwing, via SportsNet LA:
“Saw Tommy a little bit. He hasn’t started playing catch yet, but in good spirits. Still hopeful and expecting him to be back at some point this summer.”
Blake Treinen is another key reliever who will miss a significant amount of time — and may not pitch again this season — after being transferred to the 60-day IL with right shoulder trouble.
Like Kahnle, Treinen also hasn’t started playing catch:
“Blake’s here, so it’s good. I hadn’t seen Blake in a while. Blake hasn’t started playing catch yet, but I think that’s supposed to be some point soon.”
The Dodgers are also currently without Andrew Heaney, who began experiencing left shoulder discomfort after just two starts and 10.1 scoreless innings.
The left-hander has been making progress and is scheduled to throw a simulated game at Camelback Ranch this weekend:
“Andrew Heaney did an up and down; three ups, three downs. I think it was a 50-pitch exercise, all of his pitches. Came out of it feeling well, so that’s good. I think Sunday he’s going to face some hitters at CBR. That’ll be a two-inning simulation, so that will be good.”
Of the three Dodgers pitchers, Heaney appears closest to returning to the mound. However, it could still be multiple weeks before he pitches in another MLB game.
Kershaw progressing toward bullpen session
The Dodgers were optimistic Clayton Kershaw would make a quick return after he was placed on the 15-day injured list on May 13 with right SI joint inflammation, but that hasn’t been the case.
Kershaw’s planned bullpen session last week was canceled because he was still dealing with discomfort in his back. He continued to play catch, but it was estimated his bullpen would be delayed for several weeks.
After resting at his home in Dallas, Kershaw said he’s made progress toward a return and bullpen session.
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