The overwhelming majority of injuries the Los Angeles Dodgers needed to overcome through the first month of the season were to the pitching staff, but both Cody Bellinger and Zach McKinstry are sidelined as well.
Bellinger was placed on the 10-day injured list April 9 due to what was originally diagnosed as a left calf contusion as a result of getting spiked days earlier. However, persistent pain prompted further examination, and it was discovered Bellinger had a hairline fracture in his left fibula.
He continued the rehab process at Camelback Ranch when the Dodgers departed for their 10-game road trip, and is gradually increasing his level of activity.
“I saw a video of Cody running at about 60% in the outfield. Looked good and recovered well, so our expectation is we’ll continue to ramp up that percentage of effort. Taking batting practice, taking live ABs, throwing the baseball,” manager Dave Roberts said.
“It’s moving, but again, when you’re dealing with a fracture you’ve still got to make sure it’s healed. But I think we’re doing a great job. The training staff is leading that so once he is healed, we can get him active because he’s done everything he can to prepare himself.”
Roberts previously acknowledged there was the potential for Bellinger to join a Minor League affiliate for a rehab assignment prior to being activated. The Dodgers have not finalized such a decision.
McKinstry sneezing
McKinstry accompanied Bellinger in heading to the Dodgers’ alternate training site, but his progression in recovering from a right oblique strain is at least a step behind.
“Zach is progressing. The latest is he was able to sneeze and not feel anything. When you’re talking about an oblique, that’s a big deal,” Roberts said.
“We’re still managing and monitoring his swings. With the oblique there’s still some fatigue when he gets it going as far as swinging of the bat. He’s progressing and there haven’t been any setbacks. I just don’t know the timetable.”
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