Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Trayce Thompson was said to be nearing a the start of a rehab assignment at the end of July. One week later, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Thompson’s recovery stalled.
A follow-up examination of Thompson’s back revealed multiple stress fractures, and less than one week ago he conceded a return this season was unlikely. However, Thompson spoke with more optimism prior to Wednesday’s game.
“I get to walk and do the bike and stuff like that. Nothing is causing me any sort of pain. So far, so good,” he said.
Thompson nonetheless faces an uphill battle if he hopes to come off the 60-day disabled list. Particularly when taking into account he’s yet to begin baseball activities.
“We just talked the other day, and I get to ramp up the volume of of the rehab stuff I’m doing. Once I complete that, it means I get to do baseball stuff,” Thompson explained. “I’m pretty excited.”
Minor League seasons will have concluded by the time Thompson is at the stage of needing at-bats. As a result, he presumed those will come in Instructional League. Thompson isn’t certain if he’ll see the field again this season, nor has he ruled out the possibility.
“I’m going to leave it up to them, but I feel good. I’m never going to lose hope,” he said.
“I really don’t even want to ask if [not returning] the outcome or not, because I don’t want to hear it. I feel good. I’m sure they have plans for my future as well as my present.”
Thompson was transferred to the 60-day DL on Aug. 7, making Sept. 9 the earliest possible return date.
The 25-year-old versatile outfielder is batting .225/.302/.436 with 11 doubles, 13 home runs, 32 RBI, a .318 wOBA and 100 wRC+, while already appearing in a career-high 80 games.
