The Los Angeles Dodgers reinstated Cody Bellinger and Zach McKinstry from the 10-day injured list, and Sheldon Neuse and DJ Peters to Triple-A Oklahoma City prior to Saturday’s game against the San Francisco Giants.
Bellinger, who last played a Major League game on April 5, is likely to be in the lineup for the remainder of the Giants series. “I expect him to be in there Saturday, Sunday, and then we’ll kind of see where he’s at come Monday,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.
Bellinger returns from a hairline fracture in his left fibula that was originally diagnosed as a calf contusion after getting spiked. Lingering discomfort prompted the Dodgers to send the 2019 National League MVP for additional testing, which revealed the hairline fracture.
After spending time at the Dodgers’ alternate training site, Bellinger joined Triple-A Oklahoma City for a rehab assignment. He went 4-for-20 with two home runs, three RBI and four strikeouts over five starts.
McKinstry also played five games for Oklahoma City, including appearing off the bench in one contest to simulate the role he’s expected to fill with L.A. McKinstry finished 5-for-16 with two doubles, three walks and two strikeouts.
He had been on the IL with a right oblique strain since April 23.
“Zach, to be in left, be in right, be at second, be at third, it’ll just help our guys,” Roberts said of McKinstry’s return.
“Zach and Cody coming from the IL, we’ve got to build them up, but I do think giving guys a day here and there, and him filling in, you trust the defense and bat. It’s going to add to the depth of our roster.”
Peters had more comfort with Dodgers
Now headed back to Oklahoma City, Peters said this week he had found better comfort in the latest stint with the Dodgers.
“I feel night and day,” he said. “In my first stint, when we played the Padres, I was definitely excited.
“Went back down to the Minor Leagues, learned a lot, and am extremely grateful for that. Still getting some at-bats under my belt but feeling a lot more comfortable every day. Not only in the field but on the basepaths and in the box.”
Neuse learning
Similarly to Peters, Neuse was looking to improve and learn each day with the Dodgers. He hit a home run during the Houston Astros series and was relied on both off the bench and to start at multiple positions as the team continued to deal with mounting injuries.
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