Coinciding with setting their Opening Day roster for the 2026 season, the Los Angeles Dodgers also put a wave of players on the injured list.
The majority of that applied to the pitching staff, as the likes of Brusdar Graterol, Evan Phillips, Blake Snell, Brock Stewart aren’t available at present time. It was an expected development for Phillips (Tommy John) and Stewart (right shoulder), as they both are on the mend from respective surgeries.
Meanwhile, Graterol suffered right shoulder trouble during Spring Training and Snell reported to camp behind other pitchers because of left shoulder inflammation delaying his offseason throwing program.
Latest updates on injured Dodgers pitchers
Evan Phillips
The Dodgers don’t anticipate Phillips returning until the summer months, but he’s already getting some work in off the mound.
“He looked pretty sharp in his ‘pen,” manager Dave Roberts said before Friday’s game. “That was good to see.”
Blake Snell
Roberts also saw Snell throw a bullpen session, and remarked, “He looked really good too.”
It’s plausible Snell returns at the end of May, but the Dodgers are going to prioritize being healthy for October and not rush his rehab process. Considering Snell would need a rehab assignment that likely lasts one month, it would appear he’s more likely for a return in June or closer to July.
Brock Stewart
Currently further ahead than both Phillips and Snell, Stewart faced Alex Call in Dalton Rushing in a live batting practice session at Dodger Stadium.
“Used his entire pitch mix, I thought the stuff was really good,” Roberts said. “I didn’t look at it from behind, but just given the swings, it was a very productive live session.”
Roberts estimated Stewart will need to face batters at least one more time before then potentially beginning a rehab assignment. It’s expected to take place before the Dodgers leave for their first road trip of the season next week.
Stewart is looking to make more of an impact this season after managing to pitch in just four games for the Dodgers after being acquired from the Minnesota Twins at the trade deadline last year. Stewart’s availability and importance has further increased given some of the uncertainty surrounding other right-handed relief pitchers.
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