The Los Angeles Dodgers starting rotation has dealt with a lot of injuries this season and they most recently lost Julio Urias to a calf contusion, which puts them under further strain for at least the next two weeks.
Tony Gonsolin and Danny Duffy are currently on the injured list as well, and Cole Hamels is building up his arm strength after being signed earlier this month.
Although some of them might end up in the bullpen, the Dodgers plan to stretch each of the pitchers out and build them up as starters so they could be options for the rotation.
“The goal is if you can stretch them out as much as they can be stretched out, you can always shorten them and read and react,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.
Hamels has a clause in his contract that states he must be on the active roster by Sept. 2, so he is likely the first option to start of the three.
Gonsolin, who has been on the IL since July 31 due to right shoulder inflammation, just recently started playing catch.
“I think once we get an up and down sim game it starts to be a real conversation,” Roberts said of a return. “But right now we’re still kind of in its infancy with the progression.”
Clayton Kershaw is also eligible to be activated in September and the Dodgers still expect to get him back despite him being shut down from throwing because of lingering elbow soreness.
Kershaw is due to resume his throwing program on Monday.
Dodgers monitoring Urias’ workload
If the Dodgers are able to use at least two of the three pitchers as starters, it would allow them to potentially give Urias another break. He’s already far and away set a new career high for innings pitched.
“Julio has handled it with flying colors,” Roberts said before the left-hander was ultimately put on the IL. “He’s been fantastic and having a tremendous season. We’re certainly aware of where he’s at with his innings.
“Each outing, looking at where we’re at, giving us the best chance to win, leaning on Julio versus taking the gas off to pass the baton for that night, will there be a time when we give him a blow or respite? Possibly.
“Because I think the most important thing is to keep him healthy and fresh through October, so we’re constantly having those conversations.”
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