Injuries & Moves: Buehler throws 86 pitches in rehab start
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INJURY UPDATES
RHP/DH Shohei Ohtani (Elbow surgery)
Expected return: 2025 (as a pitcher)
Ohtani threw for the first time on March 26 since undergoing right elbow surgery in September, getting out to 45 feet. Manager Dave Roberts says that Ohtani will throw again in the next couple of days, and that the two-way star is "anxious ... to continue to get going and keep moving forward." Roberts recently reiterated that Ohtani will not pitch this season. (Last updated: March 25)
10-day/15-day injured list
RHP Walker Buehler (Tommy John surgery)
Expected return: Early May
Buehler made his fifth rehab start -- his fourth with Triple-A Oklahoma City -- on April 24, allowing five runs (three earned) on seven hits and two walks while striking out five over four innings. The right-hander threw 86 pitches, 54 for strikes.
After Buehler's previous rehab start, manager Dave Roberts said the club was going to need to see him fill up the strike zone more. There was definitely progress for Buehler, especially considering he was pitching in altitude at Albuquerque. It’s unclear what the next step is.
The Dodgers could decide to bring Buehler back, but he might also need at least one more rehab start in the Minors. Either way, Buehler is getting closer to a return, and getting through at least four innings was a positive step in his progression. (Last updated: April 24)
RHP Kyle Hurt (right shoulder inflammation)
Expected return: TBD
Hurt goes on the injured list for the first time in his big league career, retroactive to April 17. It’s unclear when Hurt sustained the injury and how long he’ll be sidelined. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Hurt doesn’t have to undergo further testing, which could be a good sign. The right-hander has a 1.35 ERA over 6 2/3 innings in three appearances this season. (Last updated: April 20)
OF Jason Heyward (lower back tightness)
Expected return: TBD
Heyward suffered a setback during his recovery from a lower back issue that has been affecting him since Spring Training. The Dodgers were initially hopeful that Heyward would only miss the minimum amount of games, but the veteran outfielder will now miss at least another week. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Heyward will need a rehab assignment whenever he does get cleared to resume baseball activities. (Last updated: April 15)
RHP Bobby Miller (right shoulder inflammation)
Expected return: TBD
Miller was unexpectedly placed on the injured list before the Dodgers’ game on April 13 (retroactive to April 11) with a right shoulder injury. The Dodgers, however, are optimistic it won’t be a long absence for Miller, according to a source. Miller is 1-1 with a 5.40 ERA in three starts this season. (Last updated: April 13)
RHP Connor Brogdon (right plantar fasciitis)
Expected return: TBD
Brogdon, who was acquired from the Phillies in April, went on the injured list for the first time this season. The right-hander gave up a pair of solo home runs in his one appearance with the Dodgers. (Last updated: April 13)
RHP Blake Treinen (bruised lung)
Expected return: Mid- to late April
Treinen, who was hit by a comebacker on March 9, made the trip to South Korea with the Dodgers in hopes of being on the Opening Day roster. The right-hander, however, has not recovered as well as the Dodgers hoped and will be sidelined for at least the next two weeks as the soreness continues. (Last updated: March 20)
60-day IL
RHP Brusdar Graterol (right shoulder inflammation)
Expected return: Mid- to late May
Graterol won’t be able to return until some point in mid-May as he was placed on the 60-day injured list a few weeks ago, but the right-hander began his progression on April 15, throwing a “good” bullpen session, according to manager Dave Roberts. Graterol was the Dodgers’ best reliever last season. (Last updated: April 15)
RHP Emmet Sheehan (right forearm inflammation)
Expected return: TBD
Sheehan suffered the injury in his first bullpen session of the spring and never got into Cactus League action. The right-hander has since started throwing to hitters for the first time. With Sheehan having been moved to the 60-day injured list, he’ll be out for at least two months to start the season. (Last updated: March 31)
RHP Dustin May (right flexor tendon surgery)
Expected return: 2024
After six weeks without picking up a baseball, scans revealed that May needed to undergo right elbow surgery to repair his flexor tendon. The surgery took place on July 18 and was performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles. There’s no firm timetable for May’s return, but a second major elbow surgery in the past three seasons puts much of his '24 in doubt. The Dodgers placed him on the 60-day injured list to begin the 2024 season. (Last updated: Feb. 9)
RHP Tony Gonsolin (Tommy John surgery)
Expected return: 2024
Gonsolin had Tommy John surgery on Sept. 1, performed by team doctor Neal ElAttrache. He was placed on the injured list Aug. 19 with what was diagnosed as right forearm inflammation. Gonsolin also was placed on the IL late in the 2022 season with a right forearm strain. He started the '23 campaign on the IL with a left ankle sprain and was 8-5 with a 4.98 ERA in 20 starts. He had been dealing with arm soreness for an extended period before he went on the IL. The Dodgers placed Gonsolin on the 60-day injured list on Feb. 9. (Last updated: Feb. 9)
LHP Clayton Kershaw (left shoulder surgery)
Expected return: After All-Star break
Kershaw, who returned to the Dodgers on a one-year deal, won’t be ready to return until at least the All-Star break as he continues to rehab from offseason left shoulder surgery. The likely first ballot Hall of Famer pitched through the injury at the end of the ‘23 season before undergoing the procedure in November. It’s the first time in his career that he has undergone any type of arm surgery. (Last updated: Feb. 8)