MLB.com
By Jon Weisman
Now the Dodgers have a Yaisel to go with their Yasiel.
Yaisel Sierra, a 24-year-old right-handed pitcher from Cuba, has signed a six-year deal with the Dodgers.
Category: Health/injuries (Page 10 of 33)
Neil Rampe (Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers)
By Jon Weisman
Neil Rampe, who has been the Arizona Diamondbacks’ manual and performance therapist since 2008, has been officially announced as the Dodgers’ new athletic trainer, replacing former vice president of medical services Stan Conte.
In addition, Nathan Lucero, who has been the Houston Astros’ head athletic trainer for seven seasons, and Thomas Albert, formerly with Cleveland, will be the Dodgers’ assistant athletic trainers.
Rampe will oversee all of the Dodgers’ medical programs, including athletic training, physical therapy, rehabilitation and strength and conditioning, as well as the training, strength and conditioning of Dodger minor league players.
This comprehensive approach to athlete care highlights the importance of integrating various disciplines to optimize performance and recovery. Similarly, a dedicated physical therapy clinic can provide essential strength therapy programs tailored to meet the unique needs of athletes and active individuals alike. These specialized programs focus on enhancing muscular strength, improving flexibility, and addressing specific injuries or imbalances.
By employing a combination of manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and education, physical therapists work alongside athletes to develop personalized rehabilitation plans that promote not only recovery but also long-term performance enhancement.
This integrated approach to athletic care ensures that athletes not only recover but also perform at their highest level. By addressing the root causes of pain and injury, physical therapists can help athletes return to their sport stronger and more resilient. Sports physiotherapists are experts in the mechanics of the human body, using their knowledge to assess movement patterns, identify weaknesses, and create tailored programs to optimize performance. Whether you’re recovering from a sports injury or looking to enhance your physical abilities, these professionals are trained to support your journey.
If you’re seeking specialized care, consider the benefits of Affordable physiotherapy in Preston. Clinics offering affordable options provide access to expert sports physiotherapists who are committed to enhancing both your recovery and overall performance. By combining expert assessment with cost-effective treatment, you can receive personalized care that fits both your needs and budget. Whether you’re an elite athlete or a weekend warrior, these services can help ensure you’re moving better, feeling stronger, and staying in the game longer.
This collaborative environment ensures that individuals can safely push their limits, recover effectively, and achieve their fitness goals with the guidance of experienced professionals who understand the intricacies of the human body. For those looking to shed pounds, using a tdee calculator to lose weight can provide an accurate estimate of daily caloric needs, supporting effective weight management strategies.
He began his career as the assistant strength and conditioning coach in the University of Minnesota athletic department, then served as a certified athletic trainer at the Boulder Center for Sports Medicine in Colorado from 2002-03.
https://twitter.com/Dodgers/status/685209880018329601
By Jon Weisman
Twice during his introductory press conference today, speaking through a translator, new Dodger righty Kenta Maeda said he really looked forward to being in a “champagne fight” at the end of the season.
That Maeda acknowledged reported “irregularities” in the physical that was submitted to Major League teams pursuing the Japanese baseball star certainly affected the structure of the eight-year, incentive-laden deal he signed, but did not diminish the confidence that he or the Dodgers have that he’ll be in the thick of the championship bubbly.
“Obviously, we spent a lot of time evaluating and scouting Kenta over his very successful career in Japan,” Dodger president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said. “We feel like the pitch mix will play here — obviously the fastball, slider is kind of his out pitch, his changeup has really come on, very good feel for a curveball. The ability to show so many different pitches and command them, coupled with the kind of athlete he is — he’s a tremendous athlete, fields his position well, holds runners well, can hit — obviously helps in the National League.”
No one today would talk in specifics about what cropped up in Maeda’s physical, but Friedman said that he is “totally asymptomatic.”
Joc Pederson, Hyun-jin Ryu and Justin Turner at Adrian Gonzalez’s Bat4Hope Softball Game on November 7 at Dodger Stadium.
By Jon Weisman
It’s true that as of now, it’s uncertain who will fill out the Dodger starting rotation when the 2016 season begins April 4. Behind established veterans Clayton Kershaw, Brett Anderson and Alex Wood — all lefties — the next healthy pitchers in line are Mike Bolsinger, Carlos Frias, Joe Wieland, Zach Lee and Ian Thomas, as well as newly acquired Frankie Montas.
Then there are those who haven’t even made their big-league debuts, such as Jose De Leon, Jharel Cotton, Ross Stripling and 19-year-old Julio Urias. But any of those, along with any barely experienced veterans, would have to make quite an all-around impression by April to begin the season in the Majors.
Kiké Hernandez will undergo minor right shoulder surgery Wednesday in Los Angeles, performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache, the Dodgers have announced. More information will be available post surgery.
Update: Hernandez underwent an arthroscopic debridement (clean up) of his right shoulder Wednesday in a 30-minute procedure, the Dodgers said. He will begin his physical therapy next week and is expected to be fully recovered prior to the beginning of Spring Training 2016.
— Jon Weisman
[mlbvideo id=”51366683″ width=”550″ height=”308″ /]
By Jon Weisman
Lisalverto Bonilla, a right-handed pitcher who is recovering from mid-April Tommy John surgery, has been claimed by the Dodgers and placed on the 60-day disabled list.
The 25-year-old Bonilla had a 3.05 ERA and 1.21 WHIP in 20 2/3 innings for the Rangers in 2014, striking out 17. He also had a 4.10 ERA in 74 2/3 innings that year for Triple-A Round Rock, starting six games and relieving in 33.
Bonilla missed the entire 2015 season due to injury after making his Major League debut in 2014 and going 3-0 with a 3.05 ERA in five games (three starts) with the Rangers. He originally signed with the Phillies out of the Dominican Republic at age 18, before going to Texas in a trade that with one-time Dodger pitcher Josh Lindblom for another one-time Dodger in Michael Young.
During an eventful four-inning Spring Training stint against the Dodgers in the pinball-like Alamodome on March 21, Bonilla struck out seven while allowing six runs. Adrian Gonzalez and Buck Britton homered off Bonilla, while Yasmani Grandal (twice), Alex Guerrero, Matt Carson (twice), Tyler Ogle and Kyle Jensen whiffed.
Through his minor-league career, Bonilla has averaged more than 10 strikeouts per nine innings.
By Jon Weisman
In Game 4 of the 1988 National League Championship Series at New York, the final Dodger run was driven home by Kirk Gibson.
In Game 4 of the 2015 National League Division Series at New York, the final Dodger run was driven home by Justin Turner.
Similarities between Gibson and Turner go beyond that piece of trivia, as well as their lack of a clean shave (in Turner’s case, an extreme lack). Gibson had an intensity that isn’t imitated outwardly by the easy-going Turner, but the latter’s inner drive to be a critical player on the Dodgers’ championship drive is unmistakable.
And like Gibson famously did in 1988, Turner is increasingly seeming to carry the Dodgers without the cooperation of both his legs.
By Jon Weisman
Vin Scully underwent a recommended medical procedure this morning and is resting comfortably, the Dodgers have announced.
On the advice of his doctors, Scully will miss the Dodgers’ postseason games to rest up. He said he’s looking forward to returning to the Dodgers for the 2016 season, his 67th with the Dodgers.
Everyone in the Dodger organization wishes Scully the speediest of recoveries. Can’t wait to see him back in action next year!
Click to read: Traveling through time with Vin Scully
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By Jon Weisman
With Clayton Kershaw (above) starting things out with his morning windsprints, the Dodgers held their first postseason workout today.
The deadline to finalize the 25-man roster for the National League Division Series doesn’t come until 10 a.m. Friday, so the Dodgers haven’t made any announcements regarding who will be on it, nor the starting rotation.
General manager Farhan Zaidi said that while discussions about the final roster spots are continuing, including whether the last spot will go to a pitcher or a position player, the team hopes to let players know their status sooner than later so they they aren’t in the dark.
Scott Van Slyke, battling wrist problems, didn’t bat today, so his chances for playing in the NLDS are dimming. Yasiel Puig is considered healthy and, if the organization is satisfied that he had enough prep time at Camelback Ranch and this weekend against the Padres, he remains a candidate to play in the NLDS.
Padres at Dodgers, 12:10 p.m.
Kershaw CCXLII: The Kershawrtian
Carl Crawford, LF
Chase Utley, 2B
Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
Andre Ethier, RF
Corey Seager, SS
A.J. Ellis, C
Alex Guerrero, 3B
Joc Pederson, CF
Clayton Kershaw, P
Kershaw CCXLII: The Kershawrtian
Carl Crawford, LF
Chase Utley, 2B
Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
Andre Ethier, RF
Corey Seager, SS
A.J. Ellis, C
Alex Guerrero, 3B
Joc Pederson, CF
Clayton Kershaw, P
By Jon Weisman
It’s the feel-good story of the year, literally.
In their final regular-season game before the National League Division Series begins, the Dodgers are about the healthiest they’ve been all year.
When Yasiel Puig returned to active duty Saturday, that meant the Dodgers didn’t have a position player on the disabled list for the first time since April 25.
Los Angeles’ disabled list is down to four pitchers, and that includes Bronson Arroyo, who was for this season at least simply ballast in the July deadline trade that brought Alex Wood, Luis Avilan, Jim Johnson and Jose Peraza from Atlanta.
Another disabled pitcher, Josh Ravin, was a big-league Dodger for nine games this year, leaving Hyun-Jin Ryu and Brandon McCarthy as the only Dodgers on the DL who were expected to play a significant role.
It’s true that the medical charts for the position players aren’t entirely clean. Peraza, who was a playoff 25th man candidate before injuring a hamstring in early September, would have been on the DL in any other month. Puig is said to be under no restrictions, but his return Saturday hasn’t cleared up his availability for the NLDS. Scott Van Slyke’s inflamed right wrist makes him a question mark as well.
But other key players who have had recent injuries, such as Carl Crawford, Adrian Gonzalez, Kiké Hernandez, Howie Kendrick, Jimmy Rollins and Justin Turner, are all about as good shape as could be expected after the February-to-October grind,
Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers
Dodgers at Giants, 7:15 p.m.
Carl Crawford, LF
Corey Seager, SS
Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
Justin Turner, 3B
Andre Ethier, RF
Chase Utley, 2B
Yasmani Grandal, C
Joc Pederson, CF
Zack Greinke, P
By Jon Weisman
Sidelined since August 30 with hamstring issues, Kiké Hernandez has been activated from the disabled list by the Dodgers.
Hernandez is not in tonight’s starting lineup, but seems likely to be there Tuesday when the Dodgers face Madison Bumgarner.
The 24-year-old has a .350 on-base percentage and .492 slugging percentage in 201 plate appearances for Los Angeles this year. In his busiest stretch, he played 20 games (18 starts) from August 8-30 and OBPed .400 while slugging .545.
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Dodgers at Rockies, 1:10 p.m.
Justin Ruggiano, LF
Jimmy Rollins, SS
Howie Kendrick, 2B
Scott Van Slyke, 1B
A.J. Ellis, C
Alex Guerrero, 3B
Chris Heisey, RF
Joc Pederson, CF
Alex Wood, P
By Jon Weisman
Five minutes before the Dodgers get their first pitch from the Rockies today, the Giants will get theirs from the A’s in Oakland. It’s a scoreboard-watching fiesta. One good outcome for Los Angeles clinches a tie for the National League West title. Two good outcomes lock it up outright.
Regardless of what happens today, the Dodgers are scheduled to begin their next series in San Francisco on Monday with Zack Greinke facing Jake Peavy, followed by Clayton Kershaw against Madison Bumgarner on Tuesday.
Kiké Hernandez could be activated from the disabled list before Monday’s game, and the Dodgers are also hopeful that Adrian Gonzalez will be back in the lineup after resting a pinched nerve in his back. Don Mattingly also told reporters today that the team is being cautious with Corey Seager, who tripled in Saturday’s 8-6 defeat but whose legs seem to be an issue.
Jon SooHoo/ Los Angeles Dodgers
Diamondbacks at Dodgers, 7:10 p.m.
Chase Utley, 2B
Corey Seager, 3B
Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
Andre Ethier, RF
Yasmani Grandal, C
Scott Van Slyke, LF
Joc Pederson, CF
Jimmy Rollins, SS
Carlos Frias, P
Chase Utley, 2B
Corey Seager, 3B
Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
Andre Ethier, RF
Yasmani Grandal, C
Scott Van Slyke, LF
Joc Pederson, CF
Jimmy Rollins, SS
Carlos Frias, P
By Jon Weisman
The Giants pitched three straight shutouts in May, and the Dodgers’ season was over. That’s what I was told.
The Dodgers lost five straight on the road in Oakland and Houston, and their season was over. That’s what I was told.
There were two no-hitters in nine days, and the Dodgers’ season was over. That’s what I was told.
So my question is, now that the Dodgers have lost four straight and lead the National League West by six games with 12 to play, what are people worried about? I mean, the season’s been over since May. Over and over and over.
Or is it that the season wasn’t over then, or then, or then, and isn’t over now?
Losses and injuries — the latest being Zack Greinke’s sore right calf, forcing him out of tonight’s start — don’t look pretty. There’s certainly a scenario for the season to end sooner than Dodger fans want it to. I get impatience. I get insecurity. Personally, I’m still hoping the division is wrapped up before the Dodgers even set foot again in San Francisco.
But just consider this a friendly reminder not to assume the worst. Because in case you haven’t noticed, this has been a pretty resilient team.
Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers
Diamondbacks at Dodgers, 7:10 p.m.
Carl Crawford, LF
Chase Utley, 3B
Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
Howie Kendrick, 2B
Andre Ethier, RF
Corey Seager, SS
Yasmani Grandal, C
Joc Pederson, CF
Brett Anderson, P
Carl Crawford, LF
Chase Utley, 3B
Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
Howie Kendrick, 2B
Andre Ethier, RF
Corey Seager, SS
Yasmani Grandal, C
Joc Pederson, CF
Brett Anderson, P
By Jon Weisman
After weeks of preparation for this potentiality, Justin Turner’s knee soreness and Howie Kendrick’s return from the disabled list have launched Chase Utley into his first career game at third base.
More than 300 people have played third base for the Dodger franchise. Utley, who is 36 years and 278 days old, is the oldest Dodger ever to play his first career game at third, according to the Baseball-Reference.com Play Index.
Bill Russell was 36 years, 239 days old when he played third base for the initial time in his Dodger career, on June 17, 1985.
“We’ve been working towards this,” Don Mattingly said of Utley, adding that coach Tim Wallach felt that Utley’s latest workout at third was his best. “We don’t worry about him — he knows how to play, he knows where to be. … So tonight’s the right night.
Turner was to have an MRI today to get more definitive information about his condition, but results weren’t immediately available. With shortstop Jimmy Rollins nearing a return to availability on defense, Corey Seager could also pick up time at third base if Turner remains sidelined. Kiké Hernandez is also progressing, and will go to Camelback Ranch to get some at-bats.
Pirates at Dodgers, 1:10 p.m.
Carl Crawford, LF
Chase Utley, 2B
Corey Seager, SS
Andre Ethier, RF
Yasmani Grandal, C
Scott Van Slyke, 1B
Joc Pederson, CF
Alex Guerrero, 3B
Mike Bolsinger, P
Carl Crawford, LF
Chase Utley, 2B
Corey Seager, SS
Andre Ethier, RF
Yasmani Grandal, C
Scott Van Slyke, 1B
Joc Pederson, CF
Alex Guerrero, 3B
Mike Bolsinger, P
By Jon Weisman
Two weeks since Jimmy Rollins has been able to play shortstop, one day after Howie Kendrick returned to second base from a five-week absence, the Dodgers also face renewed health concerns at first and third base.
Adrian Gonzalez is day to day with back stiffness, Don Mattingly told reporters today, and Justin Turner is hobbled by soreness in his left knee. Steve Bourbon of MLB.com has more on Turner.
