Dodgers Injury News: Latest on Hudson, Giles, Buehler and More
The Dodgers are in an interesting spot as the calendar ticks toward the middle of June and closer to the August 1st trade deadline. It's a club and roster with obvious weaknesses at the moment -- the type you might look at addressing via trade at that deadline. However, the roster is also flush with plus-talent all stuck on the injured list and at varying stages in their road to return.
Here's the latest on several key names out on the mend.
RHP Daniel Hudson
Huddy has been in the news a bit of late. The veteran reliever has been stuck in a holding pattern while his surgically repaired left knee has continued to bother him. The right-hander had a cortisone injection in the irritated joint last month and it appears to have helped alleviate some of the problem.
Hudson has now thrown in two Arizona Complex League (ACL) games and could be an option for the Dodgers in the next few weeks.
“He threw again (in an Arizona game). The velocity is good. He’s feeling good. So we’re going to sit down and talk with him in the next few days and lay out the different options,” GM Brandon Gomes said. - Via OC Register
RHP Jimmy Nelson
Nelson is a veteran who's in a tough spot in his career. He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2021 and has been recovering ever since. He got into games with the Dodgers during spring training and, at one point, was expected to be on the opening day roster. But struggles with command and velocity have sidelined the right-hander.
After a false start last month, he's headed back out on a rehab stint, joining the ACL along with Hudson.
RHP Ken Giles
Giles is a free agent signing and less of a guy on the mend from injury, but he is on the build up from having not pitched in a big league game in a year. The Dodgers officially inked the veteran last week and he's also been throwing to hitters at the club's complex in Arizona.
According to GM Brandon Gomes, he could join the Triple-A roster "at some point."
LHP Julio Urias
Julio Urias had his return date pushed back as he deals with lingering soreness in his aching left hamstring. He was initially expected come off the IL and start on Sunday in Philadelphia, but may need another week or two of recovery time.
He will need to head out on a minor league rehab assignment before he can return.
RHP Walker Buehler
There was a stretch where Walker Buehler was heavily in the news. The ace coming off Tommy John surgery in August of 2022 told reporters that his recovery was going well and that his target of returning to the starting rotation at the beginning of September was a reality. The Dodgers' front office might not feel as certain about date or role, but anything from Buehler this year could be a boost.
He's continuing to pitch off a mound every fifth day as he works toward a minor league rehab assignment in the next couple of months.
RHP Alex Reyes
*Update* Bad news out of Dodger camp on Sunday morning as it was learned that the offseason signing, Reyes, has undergone another shoulder operation that will knock out his 2023 season.
Best of the Rest
- Catcher Austin Barnes, who was hit on the hand by a pitch earlier this week, threw and hit during BP ahead of Saturday's game in Philadephia. While his right hand is bruised and swollen, he's not expected to require an IL stint.
- Outfielder Trayce Thompson isn't expected back until mid-July at best as he rests an oblique strain suffered last weekend.
There are no other substantial updates on any players on the IL at this time.
