LA injury updates: Pollock, Verdugo, Stripling

LOS ANGELES -- Manager Dave Roberts’ Friday update on injured Dodgers was lengthy and mixed:

• Although A.J. Pollock returned to center field and started Friday night's opener against the D-backs, Roberts said the groin issue that kept Pollock out of the lineup five of the six previous games is something to be mindful of.

“I think he’s pretty close,” Roberts said. “From what I understand from the training staff, he’s at 100 percent. But I still think we’ve got to keep a close eye on him. I expect him to play [Friday] and [Saturday]. If we have a chance to get him out of there and get him off his feet, we’re prepared to do that.”

• Outfielder Alex Verdugo (right oblique strain) is not doing any baseball activities, and Roberts said Verdugo will likely be out two weeks.

• Right-hander Ross Stripling (neck stiffness), still shut down, is likely to return as a reliever, Roberts said.

“He’s been pushed back a week,” Roberts said. “The longer he’s out, the more it will take to build him back up. Where we’re at with the calendar, the bullpen option is probably the most logical.”

• Roberts reiterated that infielders Enrique Hernandez (sprained hand) and Chris Taylor (fractured left forearm) continue to do baseball activities and will be going on a Minor League rehab assignment, but the date isn’t set.

• Infielder David Freese (hamstring/knee) isn’t expected back until Sept. 1.

• Infielder Jedd Gyorko (back/hamstring/hand) will rehab for a week at Triple-A Oklahoma City, hinting that he could join the Dodgers before Sept. 1.

• The Dodgers purchased journeyman catcher Jose Lobaton from the Mariners and assigned him to Triple-A. Lobaton will be veteran insurance after the departures of Rocky Gale (traded to the Rays) and Josh Thole (traded to the Angels). Prospect Keibert Ruiz is done for the season after a foul ball broke a finger on his throwing hand.