The Los Angeles Dodgers expect to welcome back Tony Gonsolin next week but still have a bevy of injured pitchers, including Michael Kopech, Blake Treinen, Shohei Ohtani and Blake Snell.
For a brief moment it appeared as though Snell would be making a quick return from left shoulder inflammation but he’s been shut down for a second time and will receive an injection. However, a second MRI confirmed Snell does not have structural damage, which the Dodgers are relieved by.
Meanwhile, Kopech was expected to be a key member of the Dodgers bullpen in 2025 after a successful stretch last season. His return from a right shoulder impingement remains a “long road” as he slowly builds up his stamina and arm strength in order to avoid another setback.
Treinen never entered the game against the Texas Rangers after warming up in the bullpen, and an MRI later revealed a low-grade right forearm sprain. He was placed on the 15-day injured list with right forearm tightness on April 19.
Ohtani’s program was thrown off schedule this week due to his paternity leave and he did not throw his usual light bullpen session on Wednesday as a result.
Dodgers updates
Michael Kopech
While Kopech’s return is not imminent by any means, he has still made good progress over the past couple of weeks. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts estimates one more bullpen session for Kopech before he progresses to facing live competition.
“Kopech threw a ‘pen [Thursday]. I think it was up near 30 pitches, used his entire pitch mix. He’s going to throw another one on Monday, and then I think after that we’re going to start getting in to face hitters,” Roberts said. “That’ll be exciting for him to get to the next progression.”
If Kopech throws his next two scheduled bullpens and faces hitters without issue, a rehab assignment would follow.
Blake Treinen
There have been no new revelations about the nature of Treinen’s injury after the Dodgers expected him to undergo further examination upon returning from their road trip.
As of now, the plan remains rest and rehabilitation for Treinen’s forearm injury. He has not begun a throwing program and his prognosis remains very murky.
“I don’t know. He’s not playing catch and I don’t know when he’s going to resume. It’s sort of a slow program,” Roberts answered when asked if there were additional details or an idea of Treinen’s schedule.
Shohei Ohtani
Ohtani is scheduled to throw his regularly scheduled bullpen on Saturday. However, it is not a given that Ohtani will return to his Wednesday-Saturday schedule next week.
“That’s the thought, but this past Wednesday he didn’t throw off the mound. I do understand right now that he’s going to throw a ‘pen tomorrow, but I’m not sure what next Wednesday looks like,” Roberts said.
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