The Los Angeles Dodgers again have dealt with a rash of injuries so far this season, and Evan Phillips needing Tommy John surgery served as their latest loss.
Phillips had been on the injured list because of right forearm discomfort that the Dodgers initially hoped rest would help mitigate. Phillips then received a PRP injection to treat lingering elbow trouble but that didn’t provide much relief and he wasn’t able to get through playing catch without issue.
Meanwhile, Mookie Betts missed the series opener against the New York Yankees because of stubbing his toe at home. Betts suffered a fracture and won’t play for the rest of the weekend.
The Dodgers hope Betts makes a quick return to the lineup and also continue to be encouraged by several injured pitchers making progress in their respective recoveries, even if some time remains before they can be added onto the roster.
Dodgers updates
Blake Snell, Roki Sasaki
Blake Snell has been playing catch from flat ground and Sasaki is poised to start doing so as well.
“They both had a good week while we were gone,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “I would say Snell is closer than Sasaki, but I don’t know when that’s going to be. They’re both in a good spot.”
Tyler Glasnow
Tyler Glasnow also is in the midst of a progression and threw a bullpen session last week.
“I think he had a decent week as well,” Roberts said. “I’m not sure when he’s going to throw his next ‘pen. I don’t know that yet.”
Michael Kopech
Michael Kopech pitched in back-to-back games on May 28 and 29, which was considered one of the final boxes he needed to check. Roberts said Kopech will make another rehab appearance for Triple-A Oklahoma City on Sunday and could then return in the next few days.
Kirby Yates
Kirby Yates quickly became encouraged despite suffering a right hamstring strain. Yates began to feel some relief two days after going on the injured list and threw his first bullpen session on Friday.
Yates was projected to miss two to four weeks with the Grade 1 hamstring strain. He’s hopeful to return once eligible to be activated on Sunday, or shortly after.
The Dodgers bullpen certainly will stand to benefit from Yates’ return, whether it is Sunday or handful of days after.
Shohei Ohtani
Shohei Ohtani faced batters last weekend for the first time since his second Tommy John surgery and is now scheduled to do so at Dodger Stadium.
“I think last week was a good step in the right direction. He’ll throw another one, possibly tomorrow or Sunday. I’m thinking it’s tomorrow,” Roberts said. “So I think we’re continuing to move forward and he’s starting to see it manifest or play out. So I think he’s getting more excited.”
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