The Los Angeles Dodgers have all but formally ruled out Daniel Hudson, Jimmy Nelson and Blake Treinen from pitching for the team in 2023, but they await returns of Michael Grove, Joe Kelly and J.D. Martinez.
Walker Buehler also figures to fall into that category as well. Buehler begins a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City on Sunday that is expected to be at least three starts before possibly getting activated off the 60-day injured list.
Having just welcomed back Shelby Miller, the Dodgers may soon get to add Grove and Martinez, with Kelly potentially not far behind them.
Dodgers injuries
Yency Almonte
When the Dodgers placed Yency Almonte on the 15-day IL on August 12 due to a right knee sprain, there was an expectation he would make a relatively quick return.
However, Almonte continues to deal with lingering trouble from the MCL sprain.
“I think there’s still some soreness. He’s not on the mound yet, and obviously time is ticking,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said on Saturday.
“You can’t rush it. He can only do what his body will allow for. He’s getting better every day but honestly, until he gets off a mound and starts facing hitter, it’s just not going to be a real conversation.”
Michael Grove
Michael Grove has also been out an extended period, but that was much more to be expected as his IL stint that began August 6 was due to right lat tightness.
The 26-year-old has been at Camelback Ranch but is expected to report to Triple-A Oklahoma City.
“Michael threw well a couple days ago,” Roberts said. “Said he felt overall normal soreness, so he’ll go to OKC and hopefully that D.C. series, we’ll get him back. That’s the hope.”
Roberts added that whenever Grove returns, he will do so in a bullpen role.
Joe Kelly
Joe Kelly threw another bullpen session over the weekend and is expected to continue with his recovery process despite some doubt over whether he will get back to full health this season.
“I don’t know what the next progression is, but I think it’s going to be on Tuesday; whether it’s a simulated or another bullpen,” Roberts said.
Kelly would then complete a rehab assignment prior to getting activated.
J.D. Martinez
J.D. Martinez recently advanced to participating in batting practice with his Dodgers teammates and also is on the verge beginning a rehab assignment with Oklahoma City.
Martinez is going to spend one day at Camelback Ranch before meeting the OKC Dodgers on the road, starting Tuesday. The Dodgers believe Martinez could then return during the Washington Nationals series if he doesn’t suffer any setbacks.
The veteran designated hitter remains somewhat at a loss over his nagging left groin/hamstring/adductor injury, but the hope is time taken off will prove beneficial.
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