Having succeeded by converting struggling starting pitchers into effective relievers, the Los Angeles Dodgers looked to Tom Koehler to become their next reclamation project of sorts. Koehler succeeded in the role last season after being traded to the Toronto Blue Jays.
He signed a one-year contract with the Dodgers last December. His deal included incentives for both games started and overall appearances. Koehler was mentioned early as a candidate to fill the late-inning void left by Brandon Morrow joining the Chicago Cubs.
However, Koehler’s time with the Dodgers was grounded before it truly began. He was removed from his first Spring Training appearance and diagnosed with an anterior capsule strain in his throwing shoulder.
The 32-year-old began the season on the 10-day disabled list as he and the Dodgers took a measured approach with the rehab process. Koehler at various points was projected to return either just prior to or after the All-Star break.
But he instead will not pitch this season after undergoing shoulder surgery, per Ken Gurnick of MLB.com:
Tom Koehler had season ending shoulder surgery today.
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) July 24, 2018
Koehler spent time on the disabled list last season due to right shoulder bursitis. He previously stated the injuries were not related, and at the time of undergoing an MRI during the spring, surgery was not mentioned as an option.
Dodgers general manager Farhan Zaidi recently made it clear the team was evaluating potential trade options when it came to a starter and reliever.
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