Already facing uncertainty with Hyun-Jin Ryu’s return due to the latest setback in his recovery from last May’s shoulder surgery, the Los Angeles Dodgers pitching staff took another hit Tuesday as Alex Wood was placed on the 15-day disabled list.
Wood had his scheduled start delayed three days due to left triceps soreness, and after throwing 87 pitches over five innings in a Memorial Day outing, was said to be suffering from the same issue.
However, the 25 year old was officially placed on the DL with left posterior elbow soreness. The roster moved cleared the way for Julio Urias‘ return from Triple-A Oklahoma City.
A player can’t be recalled for a minimum of 10 days after being optioned unless there is an injury to another player on the active roster. Urias made his Major League debut against the New York Mets, laboring through 2.2 innings.
As for Wood, he didn’t remain with the club in Chicago and is scheduled to undergo an MRI on his left elbow, according to J.P. Hoornstra of the Southern California News Group:
Alex Wood will have an MRI on his left elbow in Los Angeles.
— J.P. Hoornstra (@jphoornstra) June 1, 2016
Had Wood not been placed on the DL, his next start was scheduled for Saturday at Dodger Stadium against the Atlanta Braves. It’s currently unclear if it will be filled by Kenta Maeda or Urias.
Maeda was struck in the first inning on his throwing hand by a line drive. He managed to complete five innings, but is dealing with lingering swelling and discomfort. If he’s unable to start Thursday, the 19-year-old Urias will face the Chicago Cubs in the four-game finale at Wrigley Field.
The scheduled MRI could be an ominous sign for Wood, who was scratched from a Spring Training start in mid-March with left forearm tightness. He’s 1-4 with a 3.99 ERA, 3.23 FIP and 1.31 WHIP over 10 starts this season.
