Dodgers News: Yency Almonte Could Be Available for NLCS if LA Advances
For the second season in a row, reliever Yency Almonte has missed significant time at a very inopportune time as the Dodgers look to figure out what their postseason roster will look like. The right-hander last appeared in a game back on August 11th, being forced to exit with a knee injury.
He only recently started throwing off a mound at Dodger Stadium, including a 23 pitch simulated game on Friday. Manager Dave Roberts addressed reporters including Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register, touching on the next steps for Almonte and what it might take for him to find his way onto a postseason roster in October.
“I think for Yency, the best case scenario — if we’re fortunate enough to get there — is the NLCS.”
In reality, Almonte is likely looked at as an emergency option in the event of several misfortunes leading up to and through the division series. He’s missed 37 games and counting since injuring his right knee and has posted a 5.06 ERA in 49 games this season.
With a healthy Joe Kelly, Ryan Brasier, Evan Phillips, and Shelby Miller in the bullpen, plus Ryan Pepiot and Emmet Sheehan likely joining the roster, Roberts has more than enough quality right-handed throwing options for October.
Almonte will toss another sim game on Monday’s off day in LA or Tuesday next week while the Dodgers are in Colorado.
Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
