The Los Angeles Dodgers activated Blake Snell off the 60-day injured list and could welcome back Will Smith and Tyler Glasnow toward the end of the month or in early September.
Smith’s prolonged absence became a further strain on the team when Dalton Rushing landed on the 10-day injured list because of a slight tear in the UCL of his right elbow. Meanwhile, although the starting rotation is rounding into form, the Dodgers are without relievers Will Klein, Ben Casparius, Blake Treinen, Brock Stewart and newcomer Kris Bubic.
Dodgers injury updates
Will Klein
Klein was put on the 15-day IL with right elbow discomfort on Aug. 1. That was followed by a report of Klein suffering from loose bodies that would potentially require season-ending surgery.
But having been shut down from throwing since going on the injured list, Klein is optimistic he will avoid the operation and possibly return this year after treatment. Klein has reported improvement with his right elbow and will begin a throwing program with plyos this week.
“As I understood it, it was bone spurs. So I think for me, it’s kind of try to do what you can. I personally don’t pressure guys, it’s more of how he feels as he’s playing catch,” manager Dave Roberts said.
“I love the way that he doesn’t want to just punt on the season and do what he can to get back. But I’m hoping. I wouldn’t say hopeful, but I hope it works out for this season for Will.”
Edwin Díaz, Tarik Skubal and Snell also dealt with loose bodies in their throwing elbow this season, and each had surgery.
Dalton Rushing
Similarly, Rushing is also optimistic after some initial days of rest and being shut down. Rushing doesn’t believe Tommy John surgery is necessary at this time nor come the offseason, though he hasn’t started playing catch.
Rushing did resume taking swings on Monday and otherwise is focused on strengthening the muscles around the UCL. Roberts suggested that Rushing won’t be able to catch this season, but the 25-year-old personally hasn’t closed the book yet on that possibility.
Even if Rushing is limited to only hitting, he would provide the Dodgers with some value off the bench and especially in the form of potential power as the team’s slugging has declined of late.
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