Injury updates on Kelly, Hill, Turner, Pollock
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SAN FRANCISCO -- The injury updates were mostly good news for the Dodgers on Friday.
Joe Kelly, who hasn’t pitched since Sept. 18 with an unspecified condition, threw a bullpen session effectively enough for manager Dave Roberts to say he expected Kelly to pitch in Sunday’s regular-season finale.
“It was really good,” said Roberts. “We got out of it what we wanted, just kind of the intensity. The command wasn’t where it needs to be, we expected that. Shape of breaking ball, letting the fastball go, the changeup, using whole mix. Really encouraging.”
Rich Hill also threw a bullpen session and reported no problem with his left knee.
“Felt great,” said Hill.
Roberts said Hill will start Sunday with a target of three innings. If he makes the postseason roster, Hill would be considered a reliever. But Roberts said if he can give them four innings he would be a logical candidate to start Game 4, backed up by the other eight relievers.
“Richie was really good,” said Roberts. “Today was the best he’s thrown the baseball, including the games. It was electric today.”
Roberts said he will wait until after Hyun-Jin Ryu’s Saturday start to meet with Ryu, Clayton Kershaw and Walker Buehler before deciding the order of their starts in the first round of the postseason. A likely order is Buehler, Ryu, then Kershaw.
“I know Clayton will be on board regardless,” said Roberts. “We can’t make a wrong decision with our three guys. They’re all one and the same.”
Roberts said there is a scenario where both rookies Dustin May and Tony Gonsolin could make the postseason roster.
Third baseman Justin Turner missed his third game after experiencing lower back stiffness, but Roberts reported improvement.
“He’s taking a regular day of pregame practice,” said Roberts. “The hope is to get him back in there tomorrow, but I’ll lean on Justin and the training staff, and if not it’ll be Sunday.”
Outfielder AJ Pollock was added to the injury list in the top of the fifth inning as he suffered a contusion when he was hit near the left knee by an 82.3 mph slider from Sam Selman. Pollock limped to first base but was removed and replaced by Chris Taylor. X-rays were negative, and Roberts said Pollock wouldn't play Saturday but was expected back for Sunday's regular-season finale.