fbpx

Dodgers Injury News: Tom Koehler Not Ruling Out Return Before All-Star Break

Matt Borelli
3 Min Read
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Dodgers addressed the backend of their bullpen with the signing of starting pitcher-turned reliever Tom Koehler during the offseason. He looked to fill the vacancy of former setup man Brandon Morrow, who departed for a closer role with the Chicago Cubs.

However, those initial plans were altered when Koehler suffered a mild strain of the anterior capsule in his throwing shoulder in his second Spring Training appearance. He has been sidelined ever since but is nevertheless making strides towards a return.

Earlier this month, Koehler took the next step in returning to the mound by advancing to a long distance throwing routine. On Monday, his progress continued after tossing a 15-pitch bullpen session at Dodger Stadium for the first time since landing on the disabled list.

Afterward, Koehler revealed that he isn’t ruling out potentially making his 2018 debut before the All-Star Break.

But on the flip side, he isn’t necessarily anticipating that outcome, either, per Andy McCullough of the L.A. Times:

“It’s possible,” Koehler said. “But I also wouldn’t be shocked if I wasn’t.”

Koehler and the Dodgers have taken a cautious approach throughout his entire recovery process, so it wouldn’t be surprising if the team opts to preserve him until the second half. The right-hander is in the midst of rebuilding his arm strength and faces a lengthy rehab assignment when he’s finally cleared.

When deemed healthy, Koehler will further strengthen the Dodgers bullpen and offer another intriguing right-handed option to help bridge the gap to Kenley Jansen, joining the likes of Pedro Baez, Josh Fields, Yimi Garcia and Daniel Hudson.

As part of our efforts to help you understand how we handle the personal information you share with us, and in preparation for the new European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), we’ve updated our Privacy & Cookies Policy. The updated Privacy & Cookies Policy will take effect on May 22, 2018. By using our services on or after that date, you’ll be agreeing to our updated Privacy & Cookies Policy. We recommend that you read our updated Privacy & Cookies Policy in full.

Matt Borelli covers the Los Angeles Dodgers as a staff writer for Dodger Blue and holds similar responsibilities for Lakers Nation, a sister site with an emphasis on the Los Angeles Lakers. He also contributes to RamsNewswire.com and RaidersNewswire.com. An avid fantasy sports player, Matt is a former 2014 MLB Beat the Streak co-champion. His favorite Dodgers moment, among a list of many, is Clayton Kershaw's no-hitter against the Colorado Rockies in 2014. Follow him on Twitter: @mcborelli.