ST. PETERSBURG -- Kenta Maeda’s trip to the injured list was every bit as short as the Dodgers hoped it would be, as manager Dave Roberts confirmed Wednesday that his right-hander will start Sunday’s series finale against the Pirates at PNC Park.

Maeda has been on the injured list since Friday with a left adductor contusion he sustained when fouling a ball off his thigh during an at-bat May 15 against the Padres. The injury interrupted a terrific run for Maeda, who not only fanned a season-best 12 in that game but is 5-2 with a 3.51 ERA over 51 1/3 innings in 2019.

But after the minimum amount of time on the IL and a successful bullpen session before the Dodgers faced the Rays on Wednesday, the 31-year-old gave the all-clear.

Clayton Kershaw was lined up for Sunday’s start, but he will slide back a day to accommodate Maeda’s return and instead open Los Angeles’ series at home against the Mets. The Dodgers will make a corresponding roster move prior to Maeda’s start to free up a spot.

Baez bounces back
One day after receiving a major scare on the hill, all was well again for Dodgers reliever Pedro Báez, who showed no ill effects from a right upper leg contusion he sustained during Tuesday’s 7-3 win against the Rays. He was given Wednesday off and will take advantage of Thursday’s off-day before returning to action.

“It’s a really, really positive day,” Roberts said. “He responded to treatment, and … the potential of having him pitch on Friday is very possible.”

Baez sustained the injury in the seventh inning Tuesday when he was struck by a line drive off the bat of Willy Adames that traveled 102.8 mph, per Statcast. Baez fell to the turf, remaining on the field for several moments as team trainers attended to him, then was helped off the field. X-rays were negative.