When Major League Baseball announced it was shifting back to a normal 162-game schedule this season, there were concerns about how players would be able to handle the increased workload coming off a shortened 2020 campaign.
Through nearly two months of the regular season, those fears have been validated, as a record amount of players are landing on the injured list. Among those currently sidelined include Bryce Harper, Giancarlo Stanton and Mike Trout.
“Very surprised. It’s very worrisome It’s just coming off an abbreviated season like we did, the players and Major League Baseball decided to start on time,” Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.
“You just incur risk, and unfortunately it’s kind of playing itself out as such. Teams are doing what they can to keep guys healthy. Some are accidental, some are we just don’t know. It’s very worrisome and we’re trying to figure how best to keep our guys on the field.”
The Dodgers have been one of the hardest-hit teams by injuries thus far, with 14 players currently on the injured list. Cody Bellinger and Zach McKinstry are part of the group, although they have since completed rehab assignments and are slated to return this weekend.
On the pitching side, Tony Gonsolin is also making rehab starts and Brusdar Graterol has joined him in Oklahoma City as well. Scott Alexander and Garrett Cleavinger are further behind their teammates but have already resumed throwing.
“He’s in Arizona, he’s on a throwing program,” Roberts recently said of Alexander. “I know he is not throwing to hitters yet. Once he does get that, we’re going to send him on a rehab assignment. Once he gets out to rehab we’ll have a better idea of where he’s at.”
Nelson should have ‘short stint’ on IL
Another pitcher expected to return to action fairly soon is Jimmy Nelson, who continues making progress from right forearm inflammation. He last pitched on May 20 against the Arizona Diamondbacks, tossing two perfect innings with five strikeouts.
“There was some arm soreness, just didn’t rebound from the two-inning stint,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said of the decision to place Nelson on the IL. “To kind of get ahead of it, obviously we activated Bickford.
“It should be a short stint on the IL and he’ll continue to play catch. Wanted to make sure we get him right.”
Nelson is expected to face batters early next week and could return for the upcoming series with the Atlanta Braves.
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