The Los Angeles Dodgers are focusing on getting injured starters Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow back on the mound rather than making aggressive moves before the Aug.
President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said Wednesday that the team is counting on internal returns to stabilize a rotation hit by multiple injuries this season.
“For each of them, the injury part of it is behind us, and now it's about how to build up and get them back,” Friedman said.
“We talk about this a lot with guys coming back from injury. It's, 'Get them back to stay back,' not 'Get them back as quickly as we can.'
But as far as them coming back, we feel really good about it.”
Patience with Snell and Glasnow
Snell completed his third rehab start with Single-A Ontario on Wednesday, striking out nine over four scoreless innings while allowing one hit and no walks.
He is recovering from May elbow surgery.
The Dodgers plan to remain patient with his schedule, even with a six-man rotation and no off-day until Aug.
6.
“That's something we're continuing to talk about,” Friedman said.
“I think we need to do what we feel like makes the most sense for Blake, because again, it's about getting guys back to stay back.
So we'll assess this outing, figure out where we're at, and figure out where to go from that.
But don't want to place our needs above doing what we think is right to build a guy back.”
Glasnow threw a two-inning live batting practice session at Dodger Stadium on Wednesday as he returns from lower back spasms.
Manager Dave Roberts expects a minor league rehab assignment next.
Friedman noted that the offseason roster was built to avoid an acute need in July, allowing the team to be selective while relying on internal options.
“Feel really good about the talent base we have in place, not just on field, but also how the group meshes together,” he said.
“So like always, we're going to be thoughtful and careful about what we potentially add to that dynamic.”
Rookie left-hander Justin Wrobleski has taken on a heavy workload, logging 112 2/3 innings this year after taking the loss in Tuesday's series opener against Seattle.
“I still threw the ball pretty well,” Wrobleski said.
“At the end of the day, one of the things in my control is adjusting to what is happening within the game ...
you're going to take away the positives and move forward.”
The Dodgers activated relief pitcher Edwin Díaz from the injured list on Wednesday and restored infielder Kiké Hernández on Tuesday.
Catcher Will Smith continues to progress from a neck issue.
