Originally published by DodgerBlue.com
The Los Angeles Dodgers have made progress toward full health in recent weeks, but several key contributors are still working their way back.
Shohei Ohtani is inching closer to rejoining the Dodgers rotation after facing hitters at Dodger Stadium on Saturday. It marked a significant step forward for the two-way star, who hasn’t pitched in a game since July 3 because of left knee soreness.
Tyler Glasnow is also on the verge of making his return start for the Dodgers after completing a rehab assignment. He has been on the injured list since May 8 due to lower back spasms.
Meanwhile, Dalton Rushing is hitting again and could soon begin his throwing progression as he tries to return to the Dodgers this season. The backup catcher has been sidelined since early August due to a slight ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tear in his right elbow.
Dodgers injuries
Shohei Ohtani
Ohtani exclusively pitched against Will Smith, who is also making strides toward returning to the lineup.
“I haven’t checked in with Shohei, but everything from the coaches, really positive,” manager Dave Roberts said of Ohtani’s throwing session. “Really positive. Threw 30 pitches, six hitters. We’re getting there. So today was a good day.
“And obviously, we saw Jake (Cousins) for a little bit just to get him here and put eyes on him. But getting Will in the batter’s box, taking some at-bats, it’s just good to see the compete from both those guys, and yeah, we’re getting close.”
Ohtani will likely throw at least one more live batting practice before potentially rejoining the Dodgers rotation.
“I think if it were up to Shohei, he’d be in a game in a few days,” Roberts said. “But I would assume another live BP. But we’re going to make sure we talk to him and get with the training staff as well.”
The Dodgers hope the time off from pitching gave Ohtani a chance to reset his mechanics and avoid aggravating his knee again.
“He has,” Roberts answered when asked if Ohtani has been able to work on his delivery. “He has, but that’s why this live and the lives are good, because you’re actually facing hitters and you can see the mechanics, how they play. But he has been working on it certainly. Yes.”
If all goes well, Ohtani could realistically pitch for the Dodgers during their next homestand from Sept. 1-9. His build-up will be slow, but the team hopes he can work his way back to a more traditional workload by the start of the postseason.
“Yeah, I would say that’s probably the goal, but also, the most important is how he’s feeling and how we get there,” Roberts said. “So I can sit here and say, ‘yeah, he has six innings when we start the postseason,’ but you still got to do the work and get there, and he’s got to pass some tests and markers.
“So that’s probably the goal, but we still got a ways to get there.”
Tyler Glasnow
Roberts revealed that Glasnow will start for the Dodgers on Tuesday against the Atlanta Braves and won’t have any restrictions.
The right-hander made four rehab starts, three with Triple-A Oklahoma City and one for Single-A Ontario. He posted a minuscule 1.32 ERA and 0.51 WHIP with 20 strikeouts against four walks in 13.2 innings pitched.
Dalton Rushing
Rushing took batting practice on the field last week for the first time since going on the IL and now has his sights on throwing again.
“Dalton has continued to progress,” Roberts said. “I talked to him before we left, said he’s pain-free. I saw he swung the bat well. He’s determined to build that throwing program up. He’s in a good spot.”
The Dodgers are optimistic that Rushing will be able to contribute as a hitter again this season, even if that means he doesn’t catch. However, the 25-year-old seems determined to defy the odds.
“I still think it’s unlikely, but we’re still going through the process and I hope I’m wrong,” Roberts said. “He’s determined to go through the progression, the buildup, and get back and we’ll see where we’re at.”
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