The Los Angeles Dodgers clinched a postseason spot for the 14th consecutive season and are closing in on a 13th National League West title during that span.
Also of importance for the Dodgers is finishing with a top two record in the NL as it would come with a first-round bye in the playoffs. That could be of particular value to a slew of injured Dodgers, including Shohei Ohtani, Andy Pages, Dalton Rushing and Edgardo Henriquez.
Dodgers updates
Dalton Rushing
Rushing made a surprising return on Sept. 1 from a slight tear in the UCL of his right elbow, but only managed to appear in four games off the bench before going back on the 10-day injured list. That came after Rushing was scratched from the lineup due to right elbow trouble that stemmed from his attempt at a throwing progression.
The Dodgers have since ruled out Rushing possibly catching again this year, but they remain hopeful he will be an option as a left-handed bat off the bench.
“Dalton’s doing well,” manager Dave Roberts said on SportsNet LA. “Building up his progression.”
Shohei Ohtani
Ohtani started his swinging progression on Tuesday by hitting off a tee. Roberts said he “felt good” doing so and is going to continue moving along.
“I don’t know what’s in store for tomorrow, but I know there’s going to be a consistent buildup. Don’t know when the time to return to play is, but today was positive and hopefully we can just keep building toward that,” Roberts said.
Roberts added he believes Ohtani will return at some point in the regular season, but cautioned, “Whether it happens or not is to be determined.”
Ohtani is eligible to be activated off the 15-day injured list Sept. 23.
Andy Pages
Pages has been swinging a bat for several days and took a step forward on Tuesday by hitting off pitching machine. Next for Pages is to log at-bats against the Trajekt machine.
Edgardo Henriquez
Henriquez, the latest Dodgers injury, returned to Los Angeles in order to undergo testing on his back/side area. He was officially put on the 15-day injured list due to low back discomfort, but Roberts noted there might be some trouble with the oblique as well.
Henriquez is not eligible to return during the regular season but the Dodgers hope he will be available for the playoffs.
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