The Los Angeles Dodgers are gearing up for an exciting playoff push as they welcome back ace pitcher Clayton Kershaw and anticipate the return of several key arms. Kershaw, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, is set to be activated from the injured list after a six-week absence due to a shoulder injury. In addition, injured pitchers Walker Buehler and Blake Treinen showed positive signs in their recoveries during a simulated game, while reliever Shelby Miller continues his rehab assignment.
The Dodgers, who currently sit in first place in the National League West, are hoping these reinforcements will bolster their pitching staff, which has struggled for most of the season and currently ranks 19th in the majors in earned-run average. Manager Dave Roberts recognizes that these returning pitchers will present tough decisions when it comes to the postseason pitching staff, but he sees it as a good problem to have.
Buehler, in particular, is an X-factor in the Dodgers’ plans for the final stretch of the season. Despite undergoing Tommy John surgery for the second time in his career, he has been making significant progress in his recovery, gradually increasing his velocity during bullpen sessions. While his original goal of returning by September 1st may no longer be realistic, Buehler remains confident that he will contribute before the end of the regular season.
Treinen, who underwent shoulder surgery last November, has also shown promising signs during his rehab. After making tweaks to his delivery, he saw a significant increase in velocity, reaching 94 mph with his fastball during the simulated game. While he doesn’t have a specific return date in mind, Treinen is hopeful that continued progress will lead to a return to the Dodgers’ bullpen.
Miller’s path to a return seems the most straightforward among the injured pitchers. Dealing with a herniated disc in his neck since mid-June, he has diligently been working on his rehab assignment. With another outing scheduled, he could potentially join triple-A Oklahoma City soon, making him the next injured pitcher to make a comeback.
The potential return of these pitchers, along with other injured players like Daniel Hudson, could significantly revamp the Dodgers’ struggling pitching staff. Despite making midseason additions at the trade deadline, the team still lacks reliable options in the rotation beyond Kershaw and Julio UrÃas, as well as consistency in the bullpen. As they aim for another deep playoff run, having as many arms as possible will be crucial in forming their pitching plans.
In other news, the Dodgers are finalizing the signing of talented Korean pitching prospect Hyun-seok Jang. The 19-year-old right-hander, who was expected to be the potential top pick in the KBO draft, has decided to pursue an MLB career instead. The details of Jang’s agreement with the Dodgers, including his reporting location, have yet to be determined.
Injury-wise, designated hitter J.D. Martinez received an epidural shot to address discomfort in his groin/hamstring area. He will be sidelined until at least Saturday, though an MRI showed no new issues with the injury.
The Dodgers are optimistic that the return of key pitchers and the addition of promising prospects will provide a much-needed boost as they enter the critical playoff push. With a strong pitching staff, they aim to solidify their position as one of the top contenders in the National League and make another run at the World Series title.
