Dodgers Team News

Dodgers News: Injury Updates on JD Martinez, Ryan Pepiot, Daniel Hudson and More

The Dodgers are enjoying another off day on Thursday, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. After RHP Noah Syndergaard left Tuesday’s start after just one inning with a pretty gnarly blister, the Dodgers needed to use seven relievers to get 24 outs to win the game. While Clayton Kershaw was able to give the bullpen a rest with seven strong innings on Wednesday, they still definitely appreciated the extra day off before the next series against the Padres.

The day off was also good for designated hitter J.D. Martinez, who’s been out for over two weeks with a back issue. The Dodgers were hoping to get him back in their most recent series against the Brewers, but he just wasn’t yet ready. However, he’s expected to return on Friday for the series opener against San Diego. We’ll know for sure on Friday if that’s the case.

Martinez is the injured Dodger with the closest return date, but there are a few Dodgers on the injured list that we wanted to check in on, too. So let’s jump right in:

Ryan Pepiot

It’s been an unfortunate start to the 2023 season for Pepiot. He was slated to be the team’s No. 5 starter on the Opening Day roster, however, an oblique injury kept that dream from happening. Then, Pepiot struggled to progress, and ended up going on the 60-day IL.

The most recent update we have on Pepiot is that he’s finally started throwing to hitters, but still isn’t ready for rehab. He can’t be activated off the injured list until June, so the Dodgers will continue to slow-play his return.

Daniel Hudson

It’s been an unfortunate year for Hudson, who tore his ACL last June on a fluke play. Hudson was recovering well, and was on track to be ready for spring training. However, the 35-year-old’s recovery kept getting delayed, ultimately putting him on the injured list to start the year.

He’s since been moved to the 60-day IL, meaning he also can’t be activated until June. He’s still not ready for a rehab assignment, but the Dodgers are very excited to get him back in their bullpen, whenever that time comes. Hopefully all the tendinitises finally stop and he can get back on the pitcher’s mound soon.

Michael Grove

Grove took over Pepiot’s spot as the No. 5 starter in the rotation, but didn’t last long. He slipped on the mound in warmups of his fourth start, and ended up going on the IL with a groin injury.

Grove has started throwing to hitters, but isn’t yet ready for a rehab assignment. When he ultimately does return, it’s unclear where he’ll be going unless an injury occurs in the starting rotation. With Tony Gonsolin back, Grove may be spending his time in Triple-A until further notice.

Jimmy Nelson

The final update is on the guy who hasn’t pitched since July of 2021. Nelson is coming off Tommy John Surgery, and was able to pitch in spring training, but didn’t have any command.

The Dodgers decided to have him open the year on the injured list, and he made one rehab appearance in the minor leagues before being sent back to Camelback Ranch. That’s never a good sign, and the fact that we haven’t heard anything else can’t be good news, either. Let’s hope for the best for Nelson.

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