Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Edgardo Henriquez is “trending really well,” according to general manager Brandon Gomes, and he is looking likely to be on the NLDS roster.
Henriquez is still on the injured list with a lower back injury, which shut him down for the last two weeks of the regular season.
Edgardo Henriquez injury status
When speaking to the media, including Dodgers Nation, on Tuesday, September 29th, Gomes said Henriquez threw a live batting practice session against hitters, and it went well.
Henriquez also has additional activities lined up during the bye week to clear up, including simulated games and more live batting sessions.
If he clears the remaining checkmarks, Henriquez will be ready for the NLDS, per Gomes.
“We’ve still got a few steps to go, but if all that goes well, the expectation is he will be on the roster,” the general manager said.
What will Henriquez’s role be with the bullpen?
Before he got hurt, Henriquez was a set-up man for the Dodgers, and he was also a budding closer for the team thanks to his consistency.
Tanner Scott is prone to home runs, while Edwin Diaz was in a spiral, which helped Henriquez emerge as the most consistent relief pitcher.
Over the last few weeks, Scott has been steady, while Diaz has rebuilt himself from the ground up. Additionally, Roki Sasaki moved into the bullpen, leading the Dodgers into the postseason with plenty of candidates to close, Henriquez among them.
“Obviously we’ve had a lot of talent over the years,” manager Dave Roberts said. “But as far as sitting here today at the end of the season, it’s as good of shape as we’ve ever been in with the bullpen.
“That could change in a day, in a game, as we all know. But right now, feel really good about everyone out there.”
Roberts is known for making bullpen decisions based on feel in the postseason, and depending on how Henriquez looks coming back, he may close or perhaps settle into a middle relief role.
Luckily, the Dodgers have bullpen options, which hasn’t been the case for a while.
