Among the early injuries the Los Angeles Dodgers faced in camp was losing Pedro Baez because of a bruised right thumb. He sustained the injury after being struck by a comebacker during a live batting practice session.
While x-rays came back negative, the right-hander was shut down for a brief period of time. Baez attempted to make a comeback earlier this month but to no avail. Pain persisted in his thumb, he was shut down a second time, and scheduled for further testing.
After nearly two more weeks of additional rest, Baez is set to make his return to the mound on Sunday by throwing a bullpen session, according to Ken Gurnick of MLB.com:
Reliever Pedro Baez, out since Feb. 23 with a bruised right thumb, will throw his first bullpen session on Sunday since taking a comebacker while pitching live batting practice.
Aside from bullpen sessions and live BP, Baez has not done any throwing this spring. Dependent on how he fares in Sunday’s scheduled bullpen and what the ensuing steps may be, it’s possible the Dodgers will begin the regular season without Baez’s services.
Of course, should all go well, he presumably would have ample time as a relief pitcher to ramp up by Opening Day. In addition to Baez, fellow right-handed reliever Sergio Romo was less than 100 percent as he returned from the World Baseball Classic with a stiff back. Romo’s malaise is not considered serious.
Should Baez not break camp with the Dodgers, the club would have multiple options to select from as a replacement, including Josh Fields, Chris Hatcher and Josh Ravin.
Baez was second on the team last season with 73 appearances, pitching to a 3.04 ERA and 1.00 WHIP.
