When the Los Angeles Dodgers began their full-squad workouts of 2020 Spring Training, manager Dave Roberts noted his club was in good health. It was a welcomed change from previous years, when the likes of Walker Buehler, Kenley Jansen, Clayton Kershaw and Corey Seager were slowed early into camp.
However, the Dodgers have incurred a rash of injuries in the time since. Dustin May has been unable to throw off the mound since doing so his first time of the spring and experiencing discomfort in his side.
Jimmy Nelson pushed through groin and lower back trouble, only to suffer a setback in his latest bullpen session. May and Nelson both have been shut down, and figure to no longer be part of the competition for the fifth spot in the Opening Day starting rotation.
Meanwhile, Joc Pederson has yet to make his Cactus League debut this year because of lingering discomfort in his side/hip. Roberts indicated he had not heard Pederson is dealing with an oblique issue, and while he’s made recent improvement, a recovery by the start of the season is in question.
Pederson has since been joined by Cody Bellinger, who was scratched from Monday’s lineup because of his own side trouble, which Roberts said is not serious or related to Bellinger taking golf swings, per Ken Gurnick of MLB.com:
“He’s fine,” said Roberts. “He felt a little something on his body when he was doing his early work. He wants to play, but we just feel if we give him today and the off-day tomorrow, he’ll be back in there Wednesday.
“It’s really not a big deal,” Roberts said. “Cody wants to play. There is no gain. It just makes no sense. I don’t think it’s Top Golf. I really don’t.”
Albert Pujols holds his annual charity event at Topgolf to benefit his foundation and its efforts to provide for individuals with Down Syndrome. Justin Turner, Kershaw and Pederson were among the event’s confirmed guests.
Belli showed off his 🏌️♂️ at tonight’s @pujolsfound event. pic.twitter.com/Ez0bPzRokz
— Dodger Blue (@DodgerBlue1958) March 2, 2020
The Dodgers have their first off day of Spring Training on Tuesday, which gives Bellinger additional time to recover without missing more Cactus League action. Of course, the Dodgers presumably will hold him out however long is necessary and make up the at-bats in Minor League games at Camelback Ranch.
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