MIAMI -- One of the more amazing aspects of the Dodgers' success this season has been their ability to hold the best record in the Majors despite a laundry list of injuries. And because the team has stepped up in the face of adversity and played so well, the club can afford to be very conservative in its approach to bringing those players back.
Adrian Gonzalez is one of those on the slow mend. He made the current road trip and is beginning to work back to baseball activity after being placed on the 10-day disabled list retroactive to June 12 with lower back discomfort.
"He went out and stretched today with the team," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said on Saturday. "He took 40 swings yesterday and some more today off the tee. He hasn't taken ground balls yet. He's throwing a little bit."
But while Gonzalez works his way back, there's no need to rush it.
"He's feeling better. To what extent, I don't know when I'll see him in a game," Roberts said. "But I know each day he throws better."
Right-hander Hyun-Jin Ryu also made the trip, throwing off the mound on Friday. His return won't happen before the team returns home next week.
Roberts said that while he has some dates potentially targeted for Ryu's return, nothing is set. Ryu went on the DL on July 1 with a left foot contusion.
"I think that with our rotation, things can change on a nightly basis," Roberts said, "so he might be dropped in at another point, but I don't have anything definitive."
Scott Kazmir did not travel with the team, but he is scheduled to make his fourth rehab start in Class A Advanced Rancho Cucamonga either Saturday or Sunday, according to Roberts, who added that the velocity is still not where Kazmir wants it.
Kazmir is on the 60-day DL with a left hip strain, dating back to March 30.
"I think he's 87-89 [mph]," Roberts said, "so he's trying to work through some things mechanically, staying behind the baseball. He's understanding the fact that if it's not where it needs it to be, he knows he's not ready. So we're trying to get that velocity where it needs to be."