Health/injuries – Page 2 – Dodger Thoughts

By Jon Weisman

Noah Perio’s walkoff single in the 16th inning lifted Single-A Rancho Cucamonga past Lancaster, 4-3, in its California League quarterfinal best-of-three playoff opener.

Corey Copping (three innings), Alex Burgos (four) and Gavin Pittore (one) combined for eight innings of shutout relief to help the Quakes outlast the JetHawks. Erick Mejia went 3 for 6 with a walk, and Mike Ahmed went 2 for 5 with a homer and two walks.

In his 10th rehab game, Andre Ethier came to the plate seven times as designated hitter and had a home run and the leadoff single to start the bottom of the 16th.

For more from the Dodgers’ minor leagues Wednesday, click here.

Scott Kazmir’s rehab outing cut short

By Jon Weisman

On September 7, 2016

In Health/injuries, Minor leagues

Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers

By Jon Weisman

Joining Brett Anderson and Brandon McCarthy in the past week, Scott Kazmir tonight had a short-circuited rehab outing.

Kazmir, whom Dave Roberts today said was potentially on track to pitch for the Dodgers at Yankee Stadium next week, faced seven batters for Oklahoma City in its opening playoff game against Nashville. Two walked, two were hit by pitches, and one — Renato Nunez — hit a three-run home run.

Kazmir then left with the trainer before the inning was over, and was said to be heading back to Los Angeles for evaluation, as Jack Baer of MLB.com wrote.

Clayton Kershaw to start for Dodgers on Friday

By Jon Weisman

On September 4, 2016

In Health/injuries, Pregame, Transactions

Padres at Dodgers, 1:10 p.m.
Howie Kendrick, LF
Kiké Hernandez, CF
Justin Turner, 3B
Adrián González, 1B
Yasiel Puig, RF
Chase Utley, 2B
Austin Barnes, C
Charlie Culberson, SS
Jose De Leon, P

By Jon Weisman

The Dodgers’ official roster move today was to make Jose De Leon their 31st player on the active roster and their first to take the mound today against San Diego.

But they also signaled a bigger roster move to come later this week. According to Dave Roberts, Los Angeles plan to send National League Cy Young Award candidate Clayton Kershaw to the mound Friday at Miami for the start of the Dodgers’ 10-game road trip.

If he resumes his big-league campaign Friday and works regularly on four days’ rest, Kershaw would theoretically have five regular-season starts remaining: September 9 (at Marlins), September 14 (at New York Yankees), September 19 (vs. Giants), September 24 (vs. Rockies) and either September 29 (at Padres) or September 30 (on five days’ rest at Giants).

Obviously, that’s just on paper — there’s a lot of road between now and the end of the month.

Dodgers turn to Bud Norris in Colorado finale

By Jon Weisman

On August 31, 2016

In Health/injuries, Pregame

Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers

Dodgers at Rockies, 5:10 p.m.
Chase Utley, 2B
Corey Seager, SS
Justin Turner, 3B
Adrián González, 1B
Yasmani Grandal, C
Josh Reddick, RF
Joc Pederson, CF
Andrew Toles, LF
Bud Norris, P

By Jon Weisman

Bud Norris has officially replaced Rich Hill as the starting pitcher for the Dodgers’ second game at Colorado tonight.

Norris, who allowed two runs in five innings in his last start August 26 against the Cubs, will be pitching on four days’ rest. Dave Roberts told reporters he was viewing this series finale as a bullpen game (the last before Thursday’s off day and ensuing roster expansion).

The hope for Hill is that he slots in this weekend when the Dodgers host San Diego. Julio Urías is currently scheduled to take the mound Friday, but the next two starters haven’t been announced.

Seager starts at short, but Hill might be delayed

By Jon Weisman

On August 31, 2016

In Health/injuries, Pregame

Jill Weisleder/Los Angeles Dodgers

Dodgers at Rockies, 12:10 p.m.
Howie Kendrick, LF
Corey Seager, SS
Justin Turner, 3B
Adrián González, 1B
Rob Segedin, RF
Kiké Hernandez, CF
Carlos Ruiz, C
Charlie Culberson, 2B
Ross Stripling, P

By Jon Weisman

With a rainy day off Tuesday after his scary hit-by-pitch Monday, Corey Seager is back in action and expected to play in both ends of today’s impromptu doubleheader, along with Adrián González and Justin Turner.

The bigger immediate concern for the Dodgers is Rich Hill, who threw about 40 pitches warming up for Tuesday’s non-game. Roberts said Hill is “adamant” about pitching in tonight’s second game, but the coaching and medical staff might call for him to be scratched because of his past blister problems. Bud Norris would likely succeed Hill in that case.

Though playing a doubleheader at toxic-to-pitching Coors Field sounds poisonous on its face, the consolation is that in addition to resting Tuesday, the Dodger bullpen has an off day Thursday.

In addition, per MLB rules for sudden doubleheaders, they’ll have a 26th man on the roster. Luis Avilan is with the club in Colorado and prepared to take that spot.

So basically, today’s lunchtime game is the last the Dodgers will play with only 25 guys. The active roster limit expands to 40 beginning Thursday, and Roberts said the Dodgers will immediately take advantage by adding at least Avilan, Louis Coleman and Josh Ravin, along with catcher-infielder Austin Barnes. Others, including Yasiel Puig, remain under discussion.

Kershaw, Anderson, Kazmir and McCarthy talk about progress

By Jon Weisman

On August 30, 2016

In Health/injuries

Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers

By Jon Weisman

The parallel universe that is the Dodgers’ disabled list came to life at Dodger Stadium today.

As the active roster prepared for its game tonight at Colorado, six Dodger pitchers — Clayton Kershaw, Brett Anderson, Scott Kazmir, Brandon McCarthy, Hyun-Jin Ryu and Alex Wood — strode the field today to continue their rehabilitation from injuries.

Four of them — Kershaw, Anderson, Kazmir and McCarthy — took turns throwing simulated innings off the mound, to a group of imported Dodger minor-leaguers whose seasons have ended.

Kershaw, of course, was the headliner, throwing 35 pitches with high intensity in two innings. He wasn’t ready to pronounce any verdict — “Last time I came out of this OK, got home and felt terrible,” he said — though Andrew Friedman told reporters in Colorado that Kershaw’s next step would be a minor-league rehab game.

“Tomorrow’s probably a better time to answer,” Kershaw said. “As of this second, I feel OK.”

Dodgers plunked at Coors Field, 8-1

By Jon Weisman

On August 29, 2016

In Health/injuries, Postgame

Dustin Bradford/Getty Images

By Jon Weisman

The best part of tonight’s game at Colorado for the Dodgers is that Corey Seager didn’t appear to be seriously hurt by either of the two pitches that hit him.

How much will Dodgers fatten roster in September?

By Jon Weisman

On August 28, 2016

In Health/injuries, Pregame, Transactions

Cubs at Dodgers, 1:10 p.m.
Howie Kendrick, LF
Corey Seager, SS
Justin Turner, 3B
Adrián González, 1B
Kiké Hernandez, CF
Rob Segedin, RF
Yasmani Grandal, C
Charlie Culberson, 2B
Brock Stewart, P

By Jon Weisman

September 1, the date that active rosters can expand to as many as 40 players, has been in the Dodgers’ sightlines for some time — the seemingly perfect quirk in the schedule to serve a team that has depth in its pitching staff but not length.

Today, Dave Roberts told reporters that the Dodgers plan to activate Louis Coleman from the disabled list before Friday’s game (Thursday is actually an off day for Los Angeles, except for the Dodgers All-Access event) and also bring back reliever Casey Fien from the minors.

That would give the Dodgers a minimum of 14 pitchers, pending more possible additions as the month progresses. A recall of Luis Avilan and Josh Fields, who pitched recently for the Dodgers, would give them 16 arms. Brett Anderson, Scott Kazmir, Brandon McCarthy and Josh Ravin are on the 15-day disabled list, and so with the flick of paperwork, the pitching staff could number as many as 20.

Hopes remain for the return from the 60-day disabled list of Clayton Kershaw to the starting rotation and Alex Wood to the bullpen, and then you possibly have 22 pitchers. (That seems like a lot.) In those cases, however, someone currently on the 40-man roster would have to be displaced.

That’s why, despite his strong finish at Triple-A Oklahoma City and highly regarded prospect status, Jose De Leon — who is not on the 40-man roster yet — might not see action for Los Angeles this year. It hasn’t been ruled out, but it’s predicated on the status of the aforementioned score of pitchers.

Shawn Zarraga to back up at catcher tonight, while Scott Van Slyke is moved to 60-day DL

By Jon Weisman

On August 25, 2016

In Health/injuries, Pregame, Transactions

Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers

Giants at Dodgers, 7:10 p.m.
Kiké Hernandez, CF
Howie Kendrick, LF
Corey Seager, SS
Justin Turner, 3B
Adrián González, 1B
Yasmani Grandal, C
Rob Segedin, RF
Charlie Culberson, 2B
Ross Stripling, P

By Jon Weisman

With Carlos Ruiz not arriving from the Phillies until Friday, Shawn Zarraga will come from Triple-A Oklahoma City tonight to serve as the Dodgers’ backup catcher.

Scott Van Slyke, who went on the 15-day disabled list August 9, has been moved to the 60-day DL to make room for Zarraga on the 40-man roster, which means Van Slyke will be sidelined for the remainder of the regular season.

Relief pitcher Luis Avilan has been optioned to Oklahoma City to make room on the 25-man roster for Zarraga.

In addition, Rob Segedin has been reinstated from the paternity list after missing Wednesday’s game, and will start tonight in right field.

The 27-year-old Zarraga would be making his Major League debut if he gets in the game tonight. He has a .348 on-base percentage this year in a season split between Oklahoma City and Double-A Tulsa. Los Angeles acquired him in December 2014.

Oklahoma City’s Austin Barnes, normally next in line for the Dodgers at catcher, has been sidelined since Tuesday after getting hit by a pitch in the hand.

Also: With an eye toward a September return, Andre Ethier begins his rehab assignment tonight with Single-A Rancho Cucamonga.

Dodgers got a way with the Giants, 9-5

By Jon Weisman

On August 23, 2016

In Health/injuries, Postgame

By Jon Weisman

Early in tonight’s Dodgers-Giants showdown, Dodger Stadium organist Dieter Ruehle played Billy Joel’s “Pressure.”

Funnily enough, the Dodgers played as if they felt no pressure at all.

Brett Anderson, Scott Kazmir placed on DL

By Jon Weisman

On August 23, 2016

In Health/injuries, Pregame, Transactions

Jill Weisleder/Los Angeles Dodgers

Giants at Dodgers, 7:10 p.m.
Kiké Hernandez, 2B
Howie Kendrick, LF
Corey Seager, SS
Justin Turner, 3B
Adrián González, 1B
Yasmani Grandal, C
Rob Segedin, RF
Charlie Culberson, 2B
Kenta Maeda, P
Note: Clayton Kershaw had a 41-pitch bullpen session today. Read more at MLB.com.

By Jon Weisman

Starting pitchers Brett Anderson (blister, left index finger) and Scott Kazmir have both been placed on the 15-day disabled list by the Dodgers, who in a trio of transactions have also optioned reliever Josh Fields to Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Anderson is returning to the disabled list after having been activated August 14, while Kazmir becomes the Dodgers’ National League record 27th player on the DL this year.

Taking their place on the active roster will be right-hander Ross Stripling, lefty reliever Luis Avilan and infielder Charlie Culberson, who is starting at second base tonight.

Scott Kazmir to see doctor in latest pitching twist

By Jon Weisman

On August 22, 2016

In Health/injuries, Pitching

By Jon Weisman

After retiring only seven batters in the Dodgers’ 18-9 victory today at Cincinnati, Scott Kazmir is scheduled to see a doctor on Tuesday, though the initial report of an MRI, as Cody Pace of MLB.com described, has been revised.

“Scott is fighting some physical things with his body,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “He’s doing what he can, but when your body doesn’t feel right, mechanically, it affects mechanics. He knows he wants to go out there and go deeper in a game. When you’ve got a 6-1 lead, he wants the decision, for himself, for the team. When you’re physically limited and you can’t execute, he’s frustrated.”

Kazmir is dealing with some stiffness in his neck and his back, something he said that he’s been dealing with “for years.” The problem with his neck in particular has messed with Kazmir’s mechanics, not allowing him to get his head toward the catcher properly and resulting in him flying open. …

… “No matter what happens, we’ve gotten this far,” Kazmir said. “I know how my body works. If we have some type of imaging, whatever happens, I’ll strengthen it up and I’ll continue to do what I do.”

Kazmir’s next start would theoretically be Saturday against the Cubs. Between now and then, about the only sure thing for the Dodgers is that Kenta Maeda will take the mound Tuesday against the Giants. Rich Hill remains on track to start Wednesday, and then the bigger question marks arise.

No, you shouldn’t give up on Josh Reddick

By Jon Weisman

On August 22, 2016

In Health/injuries, Pregame, Transactions

Dodgers at Reds, 9:35 a.m.
Chase Utley, 2B
Corey Seager, SS
Adrián González, 1B
Yasmani Grandal, C
Joc Pederson, CF
Howie Kendrick, LF
Andrew Toles, RF
Rob Segedin, 3B
Scott Kazmir, P

By Jon Weisman

Josh Reddick was a late scratch from today’s early game at Cincinnati, and the reason instantly came across like a taunt to his detractors — a jammed right middle finger.

Reddick is available off the bench, according to Dave Roberts, though it could be until at least Wednesday when he starts next, considering that lefty ace Madison Bumgarner is starting Tuesday for the Giants at Dodger Stadium.

But in the meantime, it’s another setback in what has been anything but a storybook chapter in Los Angeles for Reddick. Three weeks into his Dodger career, Reddick has one extra-base hit and a .211 on-base percentage. Combined with the absence of fellow former Oaklander Rich Hill from the starting rotation, judgment has rained down on the trade that sent Grant Holmes, Jharel Cotton and Frankie Montas to the A’s for the pair.

It’s reasonable to expect more immediate impact from a trade specifically designed to boost the Dodgers’ pennant chances, particularly when the two players are free agents at the end of the year, than the Dodgers have gotten. But consider these counterpoints:

Andrew Toles recalled, Chris Taylor optioned

By Jon Weisman

On August 21, 2016

In Health/injuries, Pregame, Transactions

Dodgers at Reds, 10:10 a.m.
Chase Utley, 2B
Corey Seager, SS
Justin Turner, 3B
Adrián González, 1B
Yasmani Grandal, C
Josh Reddick, RF
Joc Pederson, CF
Andrew Toles, LF
Julio Urías, P

By Jon Weisman

The Dodgers shifted one of their bench spots from right to left, calling up left-handed outfielder Andrew Toles from Triple-A Oklahoma City and optioning right-handed infielder Chris Taylor.

Toles, who will allow Howie Kendrick a rest today in left field, has a .395 on-base percentage and the same slugging percentage in 43 plate appearances for the Dodgers this year. Since he was most recently optioned August 3, he was producing at a .348/.565 rate in Triple-A.

Taylor has a .271 OBP and .382 slugging in 59 plate appearances for the Dodgers this year, including the July 15 game when he doubled, tripled and hit a grand slam. He went 0 for 3 Saturday in his first start since July 31,

The Dodgers didn’t make any moves on the pitching side today. despite back-to-back 3 2/3-inning starts from Bud Norris and Brett Anderson to start the series in Cincinnati. At right, the chart shows the recent pitch counts of Dodger relievers.

Kenley Jansen had the rare event of appearing in a game without throwing a pitch. He was officially entered into Saturday’s seventh inning when the rain delay arrived, but replaced by Joe Blanton when play resumed.

Dave Roberts gave a quick update on Andre Ethier, telling reporters that Ethier is hitting off live pitching while on rehab in Arizona and taking balls off the bat in the outfield. Roberts still didn’t have a date for the start of an official rehab assignment, saying that Ethier’s running is at about 75 percent.

A good night to take the long view

By Jon Weisman

On August 20, 2016

In Health/injuries, Postgame

By Jon Weisman

Baseball sends waves and waves of challenge, testing to see how well you can ride them — or recover from the wipeouts.

It’s what I love about the game, though clearly it’s hard to stomach when you’re going the wrong in the riptide.

Brett Anderson’s second start of 2016 rolled him only slightly less than his first. He allowed four runs in the first inning tonight and six runs overall in 3 2/3 innings, before leaving with a blister on his left index finger, in the Dodgers’ 11-1 defeat at Cincinnati that kept them half a game behind San Francisco in the National League West.

Brandon Finnegan no-hit Los Angeles until Adrián González lined a single to center to start the seventh. It was even closer to the third no-hitter against the Dodgers in the past 12 months than you might have feared, because rain stopped the game barely five minutes later. After 79 minutes, the teams came back to wrap things up.

It’s been a terrible two nights in Cincinnati for the Dodgers, outscored 20-3 so far. But the question, as it has always been, is how they respond. This is not the end of the line, however weird a line it’s been.

Baseball is never static. Baseball is process. A game isn’t an inning, a series isn’t a game, a season isn’t a series. Setbacks are inevitable. What comes after them is what it’s all about.

Dodger Thoughts

Jon Weisman's outlet for dealing psychologically with the Los Angeles Dodgers, baseball and life

Category: Health/injuries (Page 2 of 33)

Rancho Cucamonga wins ’16 playoff opener in 16

Scott Kazmir’s rehab outing cut short

Clayton Kershaw to start for Dodgers on Friday

Dodgers turn to Bud Norris in Colorado finale

Seager starts at short, but Hill might be delayed

Kershaw, Anderson, Kazmir and McCarthy talk about progress

Dodgers plunked at Coors Field, 8-1

How much will Dodgers fatten roster in September?

Shawn Zarraga to back up at catcher tonight, while Scott Van Slyke is moved to 60-day DL

Dodgers got a way with the Giants, 9-5

Brett Anderson, Scott Kazmir placed on DL

Scott Kazmir to see doctor in latest pitching twist

No, you shouldn’t give up on Josh Reddick

Andrew Toles recalled, Chris Taylor optioned

A good night to take the long view

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