While Andre Ethier, Scott Kazmir, Corey Seager and Andrew Toles are recovering from their respective injuries, the Los Angeles Dodgers are on the verge of seeing multiple players make their 2017 Spring Training debuts.
After weeks of throwing multiple bullpen sessions and live batting practice, Hyun-Jin Ryu is slated to take the mound in a Cactus League game on Saturday against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Somewhat dependent on Kazmir’s bullpen session and recovery from hip tightness, Ryu could very well enter into the thick of the conversation to be part of the Dodgers’ rotation.
In addition to the left-hander seeing his first live game action, Trayce Thompson is also expected to play Saturday, and Ethier and Toles are expected to return, per David Vassegh of AM 570 L.A. Sports Radio:
Ethier, Toles, Thompson all expected in the lineup on Saturday vs Angels.
— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) March 8, 2017
The Dodgers were cautious throughout the offseason and into camp with their handling of Thompson’s recovery from multiple fractured vertebrae. He sustained the injury last July after crashing into the fence at Dodger Stadium.
Though, Thompson had been playing through back discomfort since May. The 25-year-old finished the season batting .225/.302/.436 with 11 doubles, 13 home runs, 32 RBI, a .318 wOBA and 100 wRC+ while appearing in career-high 80 games.
In addition to participating in regular workouts with other position players, Thompson has been part of live batting practice sessions. “I feel good, I’m ready to go,” he recently said.
