GLENDALE, Ariz. — With the Dodgers heading to Seoul, South Korea on Thursday, it’s turning into clearer who will and gained’t be making the journey for the opening collection towards the Padres.
Proper-hander Brusdar Graterol, who was arguably the Dodgers’ high reliever final season with a 1.20 ERA in 68 appearances, will likely be one of many gamers that gained’t be making the journey because of a hip harm and proper shoulder soreness that has restricted him this spring.
Graterol stated he felt the hip discomfort throughout his first — and thus far lone — Cactus League outing towards the Cubs on March 2. The issue with the hip precipitated Graterol’s mechanics to get out of whack, resulting in shoulder soreness.
“It’s simply, with numerous these items, [when] the decrease half just isn’t working proper, it places extra stress in your arm,” stated supervisor Dave Roberts. “I believe for us, the hip feels higher, the shoulder feels higher. Now we simply must ramp him again up.”
Graterol stated he will likely be performing some extra throwing sooner or later this week. There’s not numerous concern from both Graterol or the Dodgers, given that is one thing the right-hander has handled prior to now. There’s nonetheless optimism that he’ll be prepared when the group hosts the Cardinals on March 28 for the home Opening Day.
“I’m not going [to South Korea]. I believe it’s a good suggestion,” Graterol stated in Spanish, when requested if he’ll be making the journey. “I wish to be one hundred pc wholesome as soon as the common season begins and every part that’s nonetheless to return.”
With Graterol not making the journey and Blake Treinen’s availability additionally in query because of a bruised lung that may maintain him from throwing for no less than 24 hours, the Dodgers have some openings within the bullpen for the 2 video games towards the Padres.
The membership will get to deliver 31 gamers to South Korea, however solely 26 will likely be on the lively roster. In that group, left-hander Matt Gage may very well be within the combine, however it seems that righty Daniel Hudson is the frontrunner to make the group out of Spring Coaching.
After lacking many of the final two seasons with accidents to each knees, Hudson signed a Minor League cope with an invitation to Spring Coaching this winter. Over his previous couple of outings, Hudson has proven that he’s recovering properly, and his efficiency has been trending in the appropriate path. Hudson additionally has a March 15 opt-out clause in his contract.
“I’ve seen the fastball command get significantly higher during the last two [appearances],” Roberts stated. “The slider is enjoying the way in which it ought to. The final [outing] was pretty much as good as I’ve seen it. It’s late. It’s sharp. So the final outing was his greatest. Every outing, he has gotten significantly extra refined.”
Barring any last-minute accidents, the Dodgers can have Evan Phillips, Joe Kelly, Ryan Brasier, Ryan Yarbrough and Alex Vesia of their bullpen. Gus Varland may be within the combine as a one inning reliever, particularly if Treinen is pressured to overlook the journey. Gavin Stone and Michael Grove, who’re each within the combine for a spot within the rotation, may even be within the bullpen as multi-inning choices behind the 2 starters, who will likely be Tyler Glasnow and Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
The ultimate selections will come on Wednesday, in accordance with Roberts. However it’s all beginning to come along with three video games left this spring.
AROUND THE HORN• Freddie Freeman and Chris Taylor confirmed out offensively on Sunday, main the cost within the Dodgers’ seven-run first inning. Freeman hit a two-run homer to get issues going, whereas Taylor added an exclamation level with a grand slam.
• Gavin Lux and Mookie Betts are nonetheless getting used to their new defensive alignment, however the duo turned a pleasant 6-4-3 double play within the second inning on Sunday. Lux’s throwing considerations have been a subject this spring, however the 26-year-old had a great recreation towards the D-backs.
• The D-backs had Cole Roberts, son of Dodgers supervisor Dave Roberts, on the roster for Sunday’s recreation. Cole, a D-backs Minor Leaguer, exchanged lineup playing cards together with his father earlier than the sport. It’s the primary time they’ve shared the sphere on the skilled degree.
