The Los Angeles Dodgers welcomed back Cody Bellinger and Zach McKinstry for the remainder of the series with the San Francisco Giants, and Jimmy Nelson and AJ Pollock may not be far behind.
Nelson has been on the 10-day injured list since May 23 due to right forearm inflammation. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said at the time he believed the team got ahead of matters and Nelson would only be sidelined for a short period.
That confidence has been supported by the right-hander already completing a throwing progression. “Jimmy played catch [Thursday]. I think he’s planning on getting off the mound on Sunday,” Roberts said.
“What we’ll do is potentially set up a live BP on Tuesday and if that goes well, then hopefully we can activate him Friday or Saturday.”
Nelson endured a shaky start to the season and allowed at least one earned run in three straight appearances, but pitched to a 1.08 ERA 13 games (one start) after that. Included in the stretch was seven consecutive scoreless appearances before the Dodgers placed Nelson on the IL.
Pollock’s rehab assignment
Over the past two days Pollock has been running the bases and participating in early batting practice at Dodger Stadium. The next test before being cleared for a return from a left hamstring strain is a rehab assignment.
“AJ is going to play Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and potentially Wednesday for that Rancho team,” Roberts said. “He’ll travel with us if all goes well.”
Bellinger finishing Giants series
As Roberts had previously indicated, Bellinger will be reinstated from the IL for the remaining two games against the Giants.
“I expect him to be in there Saturday, Sunday, and then we’ll kind of see where he’s at come Monday,” Roberts said. “But yeah, he’ll be in there Saturday and Sunday in center field.”
McKinstry’s versatility
McKinstry will be activated to start Saturday or Sunday, and assist Chris Taylor in filling a super utility role.
“Zach, to be in left, be in right, be at second, be at third, it’ll just help our guys,” Roberts said.
“Zach and Cody coming from the IL, we’ve got to build them up, but I do think giving guys a day here and there, and him filling in, you trust the defense and bat. It’s going to add to the depth of our roster.”
Graterol faces batters
Before Bellinger and McKinstry began to make their way to Los Angeles, they faced Brusdar Graterol in El Paso, Texas. The right-hander has joined Triple-A Oklahoma City for a rehab assignment.
“It was 15 to 20 pitches. He’s going to to continue to face hitters and do his rehab. As I understand it, he came out of it well. It was 94 to 98 (mph),” Roberts said.
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