After throwing multiple bullpen sessions with results that left the Los Angeles Dodgers encouraged, Grant Dayton was scheduled to begin a rehab assignment. He’s been on the 10-day disabled list since July 28 due to neck stiffness, an injury that also sidelined him in July.
In addition to the neck trouble, Dayton missed time in April because of a left intercostal strain. The injuries have limited Dayton to just 29 games with the Dodgers this season, and he’s gone 1-1 with a 4.94 ERA, 5.72 FIP and 1.31 WHIP.
A two-week rehab assignment called for the left-handed reliever to spend time with Double-A Tulsa and Triple-A Oklahoma City. Dayton was scheduled to begin his rehab in a start for the Drillers on Friday night.
That never got off the ground however, as he was removed while warming up, per Barry Lewis of the Tulsa World:
Rehabbing lefty Grant Dayton suffers an injury while taking his warmup pitches to start the game–replaced by Scott Barlow @TulsaDrillers
— Barry Lewis (@BarryLewisTW) August 19, 2017
According to Andy McCullough of the L.A. Times, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Dayton is returning to Los Angeles to have his elbow examined:
Grant Dayton felt discomfort in his elbow while warming up last night. Flown back to LA for further testing.
— Andy McCullough (@McCulloughTimes) August 19, 2017
While the injury could be minor, elbow trouble may very well bring Dayton’s 2016 season to an end. That would effectively strip the Dodgers of two left-handed options for their bullpen come October.
Adam Liberatore is currently on the disabled list due to a left elbow strain, and at last check a return was not thought to be on the horizon. Dayton and Liberatore emerged fared well last season, though the latter eventually had his year cut short due to elbow surgery.
