Dodgers News: Relievers Onelki Garcia, Scott Elbert Continue Rehab

Los Angeles Dodgers pitchers and catchers have reported and begun workouts at Camelback Ranch in preparation for the upcoming 2014 season.

While many are getting in shape to be able to withstand the rigors of a 162-game season, there are others that are still recovering from off-season surgeries that are waiting to begin their preparations. Left-handed relievers Onelki Garcia and Scott Elbert are two of those recovering from surgeries and both have hit little snags in their rehabilitation.

According to Ken Gurnick of MLB.com, Garcia isn’t ready to go full speed yet:

Lefty Onelki Garcia is behind schedule after elbow surgery and restricted to playing catch.

— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) February 9, 2014

Garcia appeared in three games at the end of last season and struggled, allowing four walks and two runs in 1.1 innings of work. The Dodgers’ third-round draft pick in the 2012 draft was expected to fight for a spot on the big-league roster, but those chances have now diminished as he’s hampered by his elbow injury. Paco Rodriguez and J.P. Howell are expected to be the left-handers out of the bullpen for the team, but Garcia could get another shot later in the season.

Also, Elbert suffered a setback in his recovery from Tommy John surgery via Gurnick:

Scott Elbert said he had his appendix removed 10 days ago. He was placed on the 60-day DL Saturday because of Tommy John surgery.

— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) February 9, 2014

The 28-year-old left-hander is expected to resume his throwing program in a few days after he fully recovers from the procedure. He was placed on the 60-day disabled list yesterday to make room for the Dodgers’ latest free agent signee Paul Maholm. Elbert will likely be out until June or July and may not find himself with the Dodgers until September due to their crowded bullpen.

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