Kyle Hurt was back at Dodger Stadium on Saturday to face Dalton Rushing, Justin Dean and Tommy Edman while completing two innings of live batting practice.
“It’s really exciting. It’s been a very long 13 months and I’m just really happy to be back to doing what I was doing. Really excited to move forward,” Hurt said.
It was another positive development for the right-hander as he works toward returning from having Tommy John surgery in late July 2024. The timeline in recovering from such an injury put pitching this year in some doubt, though not in Hurt’s mind.
“My goal was always to pitch this year, but it’s whatever the team needs,” Hurt said. “I just want to be an option. That was my goal.”
Hurt began the season on the 15-day injured list and was transferred to the 60-day IL in early April. He has been facing batters since the middle of July and it’s included pitching in Minor League games in Arizona.
Next is the start of a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City on Tuesday.
“It is a tough road, but it’s so fulfilling being back here and facing hitters and then going to Triple-A to get back into some games,” Hurt said.
Now 27 years old, Hurt made his MLB debut during the 2023 season. Hurt was included on the Dodgers’ Opening Day roster for the Seoul Series last year.
Over parts of the last two seasons, he’s gone a combined 0-1 with a 1.04 ERA and 1.04 WHIP in four games (one start). The Dodgers drafted Hurt out of the University of Southern California as a starting pitcher, but he might figure to continue making an impact for the team out of the bullpen.
“Whatever they need. Whatever they want to do, I’m available for,” answered Hurt when asked about a potential role if he is to return this year.
Kyle Hurt among Dodgers pitcher injuries
MLB as a whole, but the Dodgers in particular, have suffered a rash of pitching injuries over recent years. While Hurt became an unfortunate part of a long list of Dodgers, there was some benefit with that during his rehab process.
“It’s great having other guys around,” Hurt said of the rehab process at Camelback Ranch. “Stoney, and Sheehan was there for a little bit, Grover, Brusdar, River, it’s awesome to be in there with those guys and we can push each other. Just being around them makes it a lot easier.”
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