While the Los Angeles Dodgers expect to see the returns of Kiké Hernandez and Chris Taylor this week, potentially as early as Tuesday, the wait on Rich Hill and Ross Stripling continues.
Hill’s throwing program and rough timetable long had him pegged to be reinstated at some point in September. The only question at this point is whether the veteran left-hander will have ample time to build back up as a starter.
Meanwhile, Stripling was sidelined July 27 due to right biceps tendinitis that stemmed from neck stiffness that cut his start short. He was temporarily shut down but quickly resumed throwing and was slated to begin a rehab assignment two weeks ago.
However, Stripling’s neck trouble returned, and he was again withheld from any baseball activities. While the right-hander is back throwing, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Stripling won’t return before active rosters expand in September, per Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group
Roberts said right-hander Ross Stripling has made progress in his throwing program. But he is not expected back before September 1.
Stripling has dealt with neck discomfort through multiple stages of his career, including during Spring Training this year. It limits his ability to finish off pitches and that correlates a drop in velocity.
Because the issue has been recurring this season, Stripling said after suffering the latest setback his focus was on getting fully healthy and not attempting to push through it.
Whenever Stripling is able to return, he will do so as a relief pitcher. “I do think when you’re talking about where we’re at on the calendar with this injury that he sustained, the bullpen, that option is probably the most logical,” Roberts recently explained.
“The buildup is substantially less, which is a good thing as far as him coming back to us.”
It may have been a role Stripling was bound for anyhow, as the Dodgers have provided Tony Gonsolni and Dustin May with opportunities to start. Furthermore, Julio Urias is going to be stretched out as a starter while serving his suspension for violating MLB’s domestic violence policy.
Stripling is 4-4 with a 3.64 ERA, 3.92 FIP and 1.17 WHIP in 26 games (12 starts) this season. He’s pitched to a 4.02 ERA in the relief appearances.
