Dodgers Injury Update: A.J. Ellis Taking BP, May Return Soon

[new_royalslider id=”9″] Much of the injury news specific to the Los Angeles Dodgers has been focused on Chad Billingsley and Clayton Kershaw. Billingsley, recovering from Tommy John surgery in 2013, recently received a PRP injection and hopes to resume throwing in the near future. After steadily working his way back, Kershaw is finally scheduled to take the mound in a game, making the first of expected multiple rehab starts on Friday.

Also on the disabled list, recovering from surgery to repair the meniscus in his left knee, is A.J. Ellis. Though not quite 100 percent, the 33-year-old catcher has made a speedy recovery, saying he was able to do all baseball activities, other than running, a mere 10 days after surgery. Two days later, Ellis followed that up by getting behind the plate to catch Kershaw’s simulated game.

The catcher has also been taking batting practice and running on a treadmill, according to J.P. Hoornstra of the Los Angeles Daily News:

Ellis has been taking batting practice regularly, caught Kershaw’s bullpen session Tuesday, and is running on an Alter-G anti-gravity treadmill — the same one that got Matt Kemp in shape during spring training.

The Dodgers haven’t announced an update on the initial 4-6 week timetable placed on Ellis, but given the rate at which he is recovering, it could change:

Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said that the initial 4-6 week timetable is still in play for Ellis, but that could change soon enough.

With Ellis out of the lineup, Tim Federowicz has handled most of the catching duties. The fourth-year Dodger has struggled both at the plate and defensively. Federowicz has been called for catchers’ interference multiple times and has been inaccurate in his attempts to catch runners stealing. Drew Butera has similarly struggled in his at-bats, but has served as an improvement defensively. While both catchers have proven to be able stopgaps, but with the leadership and command of the pitching staff Ellis brings, his return will be a welcomed sight.
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Dodgers News: A.J. Ellis Out, Knee Surgery, Clayton Kershaw Improving