Injuries & Moves: Phillips activated; RHP Hernández DFA'd
LATEST NEWS
May 31: Activated RHP Evan Phillips from the 15-day IL; designated RHP Elieser Hernández for assignment
Phillips went the injured list on May 5 with a right oblique strain, and he returns to the Dodgers after two scoreless rehab outings with Single-A Rancho Cucamonga. One of L.A.'s most reliable relievers, Phillips should provide a big boost to a bullpen that's still missing several of its high-leverage arms. Manager Dave Roberts said that Phillips will slot back into the closer role.
Hernández made five appearances for the Dodgers, most recently getting tagged for three earned runs without recording an out in Wednesday's series finale vs. the Mets at Citi Field. The Dodgers signed Hernández to a Minor League contract in January.
INJURY UPDATES
RHP/DH Shohei Ohtani (elbow surgery)
Expected return: 2025 (as a pitcher)
Ohtani has been throwing ever since the team came back from Seoul, South Korea, in late March. On March 27, Ohtani said he has progressed to throwing from 60 feet out. He added that those throws have reached 80 mph in his last couple sessions. He is still not expected to see game action this season. (Last updated: May 31)
10-day/15-day injured list
RHP Bobby Miller (right shoulder inflammation)
Expected return: Mid-June
Miller threw 55 pitches in his first rehab start with Single-A Rancho Cucamonga on May 26, allowing three runs over three innings. He is slated to make another appearance with Rancho on June 1. The plan is for him to follow that up with a start with Triple-A Oklahoma City, after which the Dodgers will evaluate his readiness to be activated. (Last updated: May 31)
RHP Joe Kelly (right posterior shoulder)
Expected return: Possibly the first half
Kelly was unexpectedly placed on the 15-day injured list before the May 6 game against the Marlins. As of May 31, Kelly was throwing out from 90 feet, but manager Dave Roberts said the right-hander was on a "slow program" and a return was not imminent. (Last updated: May 31)
RHP Ryan Brasier (calf strain)
Expected return: Possibly the first half
Brasier pulled his right calf muscle while doing some sprinting as part of his regular warmups before the Dodgers' game against the D-backs on April 29 and was placed on the 15-day injured list, retroactive to April 28. An MRI on April 30 revealed the strain was mild. Manager Dave Roberts said on May 31 that Brasier was playing catch, but remains "a ways out" from returning. (Last updated: May 31)
OF Max Muncy (right oblique strain)
Expected return: Mid-to-late June
Muncy started to do some running around the bases during the last homestand, but the third baseman still reported some discomfort in his right oblique. The Dodgers were hopeful Muncy wouldn’t have to miss much time, but he’ll be sidelined for at least a couple more weeks, according to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. (Last updated: May 28)
60-day IL
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. He was transferred to the 60-day IL on May 19. (Last updated: May 19)
RHP Emmet Sheehan (right forearm inflammation)
Expected return: 2025
Sheehan suffered an injury in his first bullpen session of the spring and never got into Cactus League action. The right-hander had started throwing to hitters for the first time, but on May 16 the Dodgers announced that he had undergone successful surgery on his right elbow that would end his 2024 season. (Last updated: May 16)
LHP Clayton Kershaw (left shoulder surgery)
Expected return: After the All-Star break
Kershaw completed his second bullpen session of his rehab on May 7, throwing 20 pitches. The likely future Hall of Famer has been progressing well and the Dodgers have been encouraged with his recovery. Kershaw is still a few months away from returning, but the 'pens are a big step in the right direction for the left-hander. (Last updated: May 7)
RHP Kyle Hurt (right shoulder inflammation)
Expected return: Possibly in June
Hurt went 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. He was transferred to the 60-day IL on April 27. (Last updated: April 27)
RHP Brusdar Graterol (right shoulder inflammation)
Expected return: Possibly in the first half
Graterol began his progression on April 15, throwing a “good” bullpen session, according to manager Dave Roberts. Graterol was the club's best reliever last season. (Last updated: April 15)
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.
Gonsolin 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)