The Los Angeles Dodgers have been plagued by injuries once again this season, but they appear close to getting two key contributors back with Teoscar Hernández and Evan Phillips in the midst of respective rehab assignments.
Both are making progress and should be the next two players to be activated. Even then, the Dodgers still have a long list of injured players that includes Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, Edwin Díaz, Gavin Stone, Blake Treinen, Will Smith, Kiké Hernández and a few of their depth pitchers.
Teoscar Hernández return day set
Hernández has been out since May 29 because of a Grade 1 left hamstring strain, but he recently started a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City on June 22.
Since then, Hernández has hit three home runs and looks ready to return to the Dodgers. The left fielder played what potentially will be final rehab game on Saturday, and he should be back with the Dodgers on Monday.
“The hope, the thought, is he’ll play again [Saturday] in left field, be down tomorrow or DH, and be back with us on Monday,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.
When the 33-year-old returns, the Dodgers still plan to be cautious with him early on so they can continue to build up his stamina and not risk any re-injuries.
“When Teo gets back, it’ll be 10 in a row, so I would assume he’ll probably play two or three on, then one off,” Roberts said. “Build him up.”
Hernández is batting .276/.348/.436 with seven home runs and 31 RBI so far this season.
Evan Phillips nearing return
Phillips began the season on the injured list after undergoing Tommy John surgery last May. The right-hander progressed well and began his rehab assignment on June 4.
Phillips has now tossed 7.1 innings with a 2.45 ERA and seven strikeouts. He also checked off an important box when he pitched back-to-back days on June 24 and 25.
Phillips is only eligible to be on his rehab assignment until July 4, at which point the Dodgers will need to activate him or end his assignment.
“He’s getting better every day, the rehab is going well, we’ve done the back-to-back and things like that. I’m not sure when, but I know it’s getting close.”
The Dodgers may look to give Phillips another back-to-back or a couple more appearances before they activate him, but all things are proceeding well.
Over parts of five seasons with the Dodgers, Phillips has been one of the best relievers in baseball, posting a 2.22 ERA in 195 innings.
“It’s a really good slider, it’s a great head, he’s pitched in a lot of big ballgames for us, he’s an adult, he’s dependable,” Roberts said. “Getting that floor raiser, ceiling raiser, makes everyone quality of life better.”
He re-signed with the Dodgers on a one-year, $6.5 million deal in the offseason, despite interest from other teams.
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