While the Los Angeles Dodgers are in Denver for a three-game series with the Colorado Rockies, plenty of attention will remain on the happenings at Dodger Stadium. After completing a 60-pitch bullpen session last week, Clayton Kershaw is scheduled to throw a simulated game on Tuesday.
Given Kershaw’s prolonged absence and importance to the Dodgers’ postseason hopes, it’s become easy to forget the slew of other pitchers who are also on the disabled list. Included in the group are Bret Anderson, Brandon McCarthy and Alex Wood.
Wood was transferred to the 60-day DL in late June, and is expected to return as a relief pitcher at some point in September.
Meanwhile, Anderson and McCarthy were put on the 15-day disabled list earlier this month. McCarthy is already eligible to be reinstated, while Anderson is just under one week away from being in the same boat.
According to Alanna Rizzo of Time Warner Cable SportsNet LA, Anderson and McCarthy are joining Kershaw in throwing a simulated game on Tuesday:
.@BMcCarthy32 & @BrettAnderson35 are also scheduled to pitch simulated games tomorrow in LA.
— Alanna Rizzo (@alannarizzo) August 29, 2016
Anderson went 0-2 with a 24.75 ERA in just four innings pitched across two starts after returning from back surgery. He was removed after one inning in his 2016 debut due to a mild left wrist sprain.
Anderson recovered in time to make his next turn in the rotation, but was again hit hard, and put back on the disabled list with a blister issue.
As for McCarthy, he pitched well upon returning from Tommy John surgery but began a steady decline after injuring his hip while fielding a bunt at Coors Field on Aug. 2. In his first four starts, McCarthy pitched at least five innings in each of the outings and collected two victories.
He allowed a combined five runs (four earned) on nine hits over that span and had 26 strikeouts. McCarthy unraveled in his four starts after, allowing 11 hits, 17 walks, and 11 runs (10 earned) in just 12.1 innings pitched.
On the season McCarthy is 2-2 with a 3.63 ERA, 3.95 FIP and 1.70 WHIP. He went on the disabled list when the Dodgers activated Anderson.
