The Los Angeles Dodgers reunited with several familiar faces this past offseason, signing Jimmy Nelson, Brock Stewart, and Brandon Morrow to Minor League contracts.
Of the trio, only Nelson can currently be found on the Major League roster. He earned a spot in the bullpen after an impressive Spring Training that saw him throw eight scoreless innings.
Stewart and Morrow did not appear in a Cactus League game but nonetheless remain with the organization. It’s conceivable Stewart will begin his 2021 campaign with Triple-A Oklahoma City, who play their first game on Thursday.
As for Morrow, he has been shut down for the foreseeable future after suffering a setback. “B-Mo just hasn’t responded to treatment,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “He might actually be back home now or at the alt. site. I’m not sure. But he’s still kind of going through rehab.”
Since emerging as a key pitcher for the Dodgers in 2017, Morrow has been limited by numerous injuries. His first season with the Chicago Cubs was derailed by back, biceps, and elbow trouble, and since then it’s been like a casino gamble.
Elbow surgery and a subsequent setback prevented Morrow from pitching in 2019. He also did not take the mound last season after suffering a chest strain and a partially torn calf muscle early into Spring Training.
Roberts explained Morrow’s latest setback is related to the arm trouble he’s dealt with over the past few seasons. “I think it’s the shoulder. I just would say it’s safe to say it’s the arm,” Roberts said.
“It’s been a tough road for B-Mo and his family. I don’t know if it’s even going to be a play this year. Obviously, I hope it works out, but I just don’t know.”
Dodgers lose May for season
Another pitcher the Dodgers are due to without for quite some time is Dustin May, who recorded just five outs in Saturday’s start against the Milwaukee Brewers.
The right-hander immediately gestured toward the dugout after throwing a 94 mph fastball that was well off target and 4 mph slower than his average. May underwent an MRI that revealed a damaged UCL (ulnar collateral ligament) in his right elbow and will undergo Tommy John surgery.
The operation ends May’s 2021 season and he likely won’t be back in a game for the Dodgers until months into the 2022 campaign.
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