The Los Angeles Dodgers have overcome an assortment of injuries thus far in the 2019 season, including losing A.J. Pollock and Corey Seager.
For Pollock, who has battled injuries throughout his career, it was a freak accident as a cut in his right elbow became infected and required surgery. Hardware that had been inserted during a previous operation was removed, but Pollock’s recovery was slow to start.
A peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC line) was inserted into his left bicep so it could administer antibiotics to treat his infection. Pollock was unable to begin workouts that would cause him to sweat until the PICC line was removed in mid-June.
As their starting center fielder was navigating his recovery, the Dodgers lost Seager to what was classified as a severe Grade 1 or mild Grade 2 left hamstring strain. A timetable for his return was not provided, but it was reasonable to expect Seager to miss at least one month.
With Pollock and Seager both hoping to be reinstated when the Dodgers come out of the All-Star break, manager Dave Roberts detailed how their use of a virtual reality batting practice system has been an aid, via Rowan Kavner of Dodger Insider:
“Just training your mind and keeping your mind current, the eyes, the reaction, all that stuff, they’ve been doing it religiously since the day they were on the IL, which is a credit to all those guys,” Roberts said. “It’s available for all guys, but Corey and A.J. really took to it. Guys, whether you’re active or on the IL, it’s a good thing.”
The Dodgers’ use of such a device was first detailed by Pedro Moura of The Athletic in May. A system was installed at Dodger Stadium, and the team additionally has a mobile lab to take on the road.
While Pollock has been able to track pitches since before he began facing live pitching, he nonetheless is due to begin a rehab assignment in the coming days. Pollock is expected to continue with that through the All-Star break.
Seager was initially outlined for the same tentative plan, but it now appears as though he might get activated without any rehab games. Assuming he returns Friday, July 12, Seager will have missed just over one month with the hamstring injury.
