While the Los Angeles Dodgers saw the return of Hyun-Jin Ryu, they lost another to injury as Ross Stripling was placed on the 10-day disabled list due to what the team officially deemed lower back tightness.
Stripling met with back specialist Dr. Robert Watkins, during which time an MRI revealed he was suffering from two compressed discs in his back. The examination did not reveal any structural damage, however.
Stripling’s stint on the disabled list is retroactive to Aug. 12, and he suggested a return next Friday (Aug. 24) is feasible.
“That’s up for debate. We’ll see as he progresses and plays catch,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. “I know that playing catch and flat-ground work, is no problem. It’s getting on the slope and working down the mound. That’s what gets him a little bit, so we’ll see.”
Losing Stripling to injury at this juncture was particularly unfortunate for the Dodgers as he had just been moved to the bullpen.
There was an expectation Stripling would be available to pitch in relief Tuesday night, however Roberts all but ruled that out when he revealed the right-hander was dealing with back discomfort.
Should Stripling indeed make a return next week, he will have only missed seven games.
