The 2017 season has been another marred by inconsistency and injury for Chris Hatcher, whom the Los Angeles Dodgers placed on the 10-day disabled list on June 23 due to thoracic inflammation. While thoracic outlet surgery has ended some career, Hatcher’s case has not been deemed serious.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said late last month the club expected the right-hander to return “either when he’s available or shortly thereafter.” At that same time, however, Roberts said Hatcher had only played catch and was still feeling the effects of the injury.
That’s resulted in the 32-year-old receiving a cortisone injection to help treat the pain, according to Thuc Nhi Ngyuen of the Southern California News Group:
Pitcher Chris Hatcher was placed on the disabled list June 23 for thoracic inflammation and hasn’t picked up a baseball since, Roberts said, but the 32-year-old righty recently received a cortisone shot to relieve some of the pain.
Considering the Dodgers are playing their final game of the first half on Sunday, Hatcher won’t be seen until some time after the All-Star break. What’s more, he will go on a rehab assignment that will be a minimum of two games rehab.
Hatcher last pitched June 22 against the New York Mets, allowing one run on one hit in 1.1 innings pitched. He’s is 0-1 with a 4.66 ERA, 4.26 FIP and 1.34 WHIP in 26 games this season.
Hatcher has 43 strikeouts, issued 12 walks, and surrendered seven home runs in 36.2 innings pitched. He allowed a career-high eight home runs over 40.2 innings pitched in 37 games last season.
The hard-throwing right-hander was sidelined for prolonged stretches during the 2015 and 2016 seasons due to oblique injuries. Hatcher didn’t pitch after July 19 last season.
