Dodgers Injury Update: Disabled List Could Begin Clearing Up
Despite being in first place and among the top records in the National League, the Los Angeles Dodgers have been hampered by injuries all season.
Currently, they may be the healthiest they have been since the season began after the return of Yasiel Puig to the lineup. Their rotation already lost two starters for the season, but Carlos Frias and Mike Bolsinger have done a good job of filling in thus far. The bullpen has struggled a bit lately, but help could soon be on the way.
Right-hander Brandon League has yet to throw in a game for the Dodgers this season after being shut down in the spring with a shoulder issue. He started throwing in early June and threw his first minor-league rehab game on Sunday. Before Tuesday’s matchup against the Arizona Diamondbacks, manager Don Mattingly said that League would throw in another rehab game on Wednesday with the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes.
Joining League in playing for the Quakes will be another right-handed reliever, Joel Peralta. The 39-year-old went on the disabled list with a dead arm that was found out to be an effect from a back issue. He opted against surgery and has been working his way back to the bullpen. Peralta appeared in seven games for the Dodgers and had yet to allow a run. He will throw on Thursday with the Quakes.
Scott Van Slyke may be the closest to a return after going on the disabled list with a back issue. He had been cleared for everything and was not originally scheduled for a rehab assignment; however, Mattingly said he could participate in some towards the end of the week and return to the team next week.
Lastly, Pedro Baez continues to progress but there is no timetable for his return. Outfielder Carl Crawford has finally started to run at Camelback Ranch in Arizona. He tore his oblique and had not yet been cleared to run. He is likely out at least another month. Brandon Beachy has been taking his time with his recovery from Tommy John surgery and will head to Arizona while the Dodgers head to San Diego and Texas starting Friday.
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