The Los Angeles Dodgers have been hit by the injury bug this season, but they may soon be getting some reinforcements after a bit of a rough stretch that saw them lose three straight to the Pittsburgh Pirates.
L.A. got back in the win column by defeating the New York Mets, but received bad news prior to first pitch as it was revealed Kevin Pillar suffered a fractured left shoulder that will likely require surgery.
Zach McKinstry was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City as the corresponding roster move to Pillar being placed on the 10-day injured list. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said McKinstry will remain on the active roster “for the time being.”
While there was unfortunate news involving Pillar, the Dodgers may soon see the returns of Clayton Kershaw, Andrew Heaney and Max Muncy.
Clayton Kershaw update
Kershaw hasn’t pitched in a game since May 7 but took a significant step toward rejoining the Dodgers rotation by throwing bullpen sessions at Dodger Stadium on Monday and Wednesday.
The future Hall of Famer was placed on the 10-day injured list on May 13 with right SI joint inflammation, but he is now pain-free and he’s set to go out on a rehab assignment with the Single-A Rancho Cucamonga Quakes on Sunday before he potentially re-joins the team in San Francisco.
“Even the ‘pen he threw, it was 60–65 pitches,” Roberts said. “It was a lengthy, aggressive ‘pen. So as far as arm strength, he’s in a good spot.”
Andrew Heaney rehab
Heaney made just two starts and threw 10.1 scoreless innings before he began experiencing left shoulder discomfort, which caused the Dodgers to place him on the 10-day IL on April 20.
Heaney has already been throwing bullpen sessions and a simulated game, and he is now set to go on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City this weekend.
It’s expected Heaney will make multiple rehab starts prior to being activated.
Max Muncy plan
The Dodgers have been without Muncy since May 28 when he was placed on the 10-day IL due to left elbow inflammation.
The 31-year-old, who is still recovering from a dislocated left elbow and torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) sustained at the end of the 2021 season, aggravated the injury after he banged his arm into protective netting and a metal bar during a game at Nationals Park.
Muncy’s elbow has been improving and he is going to head on a rehab assignment either Friday or Saturday to take some at-bats.
Roberts also added that Muncy playing in a lower-stress environment could help him get back on track after his slow start to the season. Muncy was hopeful that some time on the IL would be beneficial for him mentally.
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