The Los Angeles Dodgers went into the 2024 season already aware multiple starting pitchers would on the injured list, and not only has that number grown, but the team has also lost relief pitchers and been impacted on the position player side as well.
Most recently, the Dodgers placed Bobby Miller on the 15-day injured list because of right shoulder inflammation. Meanwhile, Blake Treinen revealed he sustained two non-displaced rib fractures in addition to a bruised lung as a result of being by a line-drive comebacker.
Brusdar Graterol also is yet to pitch this season and remains multiple weeks from doing so. Also down the line is Emmet Sheehan, who is on the 60-day injured list because of right forearm inflammation.
When Heyward was put on the IL because of lower back tightness, the Dodgers anticipated a relatively quick return. However, he’s dealt with residual soreness and in turn it’s amounted to an opportunity for Andy Pages.
“Jason is going to stay back when we’re on the road but potentially will see us in Arizona,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.
“But I’m not sure what he’s doing as far as baseball activities. I do expect a rehab assignment to some extent. I don’t know when that’s going to start. We’ve got some boxes to check before we get to that point. But he is feeling better. [Thursday] was a better day for him, as I understand it.”
Treinen threw a bullpen session at Dodger Stadium on Thursday and is scheduled to face batters this weekend. Assuming that goes well Saturday, the veteran reliever will begin a rehab assignment next week.
“This Saturday will be the two out of three (days of pitching), so then it’ll be the back-to-back and at that point in time I think it will be a real conversation (for being activated),” Roberts said.
Although Sheehan is dealing with forearm trouble that can often be a precursor to a more significant injury, he and the Dodgers have remained optimistic.
“Emmet is going to throw next week,” Roberts said. “Some time in the middle of the week.”
Graterol threw a 17-pitch bullpen session and needs to progress to facing hitters before then joining a Minor League affiliate for a rehab assignment.
“I think Brusdar is weeks away,” Roberts reiterated.
Like with Sheehan, the Dodgers believe Miller’s right shoulder inflammation to be a relatively minor injury. Miller himself expressed optimism after an MRI did not eveal any structural damage.
“Bobby is going to stay back when we’re on the road and he’ll start playing catch soon,” Roberts said. “It should be sometime this series this weekend he’ll start playing catch if I’m not mistaken.”
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