While the Los Angeles Dodgers began the 2016 season with 10 players on the disabled list, they’ve managed just fine through the first three games. Los Angeles swept a three-game series from the San Diego Padres, setting a franchise record for scoreless innings (27) to start a season.
One of the key contributors the Dodgers have been without is Yasmani Grandal. The 27-year-old catcher was saddled with forearm soreness throughout much of Spring Training, limiting him to just eight games.
Grandal was removed after two innings on March 21, and sent for further tests on his forearms. An MRI didn’t reveal any structural damage, but his level of activity was limited in the days that followed the examination.
Grandal was left at Camelback Ranch while the Dodgers broke camp and returned home for the exhibition Freeway Series. After appearing in simulated games throughout the week, Grandal now joins Triple-A Oklahoma City on Thursday for the start of a rehab assignment, the affiliate announced.
He batted .375/.412/.688 with two doubles, one home run and three RBIs in 17 plate appearances this spring. Along with Howie Kendrick, who joins High-A Rancho Cucamonga on a rehab assignment, Granadl remains on track to be reinstated from the DL in time for the Dodgers’ home opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday.
