Dodgers injury updates: Bellinger, Graterol
LOS ANGELES -- Cody Bellinger continues to progress from a left calf contusion that landed him on the 10-day injured list, but he remains day to day, according to manager Dave Roberts.
Bellinger has been out of the Dodgers’ lineup since April 6 after A’s reliever Reymin Guduan accidentally cleated him on the back of the foot in a close play at first base. Since then, Bellinger has done light agility drills on the field, took part in batting practice on Wednesday, and continues to go through rehab with the training staff.
“He’s doing a lot of work down below with the trainers and the strength guys,” Roberts said. “I know I keep saying day to day, and I just don’t know when the timetable is for him to return."
While Roberts and the Dodgers don’t know when Bellinger will be back in the lineup, they do know that the star outfielder will accompany the team on the upcoming road trip. That doesn’t mean Bellinger will be activated at some point during the trip, however.
Bellinger is still dealing with swelling in the calf area, according to Roberts, and is unable to run at full speed. He’s able to swing the bat without feeling much pain, but given that he plays center field, the Dodgers won’t rush him until he’s 100 percent -- much like they did with Mookie Betts, who missed four games with a stiff lower back before returning to the lineup on Tuesday.
“I think anything is possible, but I hesitate to put a date on it,” Roberts said, when asked if Bellinger will be available this weekend. “I just want Cody to get better and improve and when the staff feels he’s ready to go, then we’ll activate him.”
Bellinger is eligible to return from the injured list on Friday, the first game of the much-anticipated first series against the Padres of 2021. The Dodgers finish off the five-game road trip with a two-game set against the Mariners.
In Bellinger’s absence, Chris Taylor has handled most of the responsibilities at center field and the Dodgers’ offense hasn’t missed a beat. Taylor is tied for the team lead with two homers. Betts is starting at center field on Wednesday against the Rockies. The Dodgers are 5-1 since Bellinger went down with an injury.
Graterol update
While Bellinger looks to give the Dodgers’ lineup a boost, L.A.'s pitching staff could be getting one of its top relievers back soon, as Brusdar Graterol appears to be nearing a return.
Graterol, who has been on the injured list since the beginning of the season due to a slow buildup during Spring Training, will throw in a game at the alternate training site on Thursday against the Rockies. If that goes well, Graterol will be on the team’s taxi squad for the upcoming series against the Padres. An activation could come soon after that.
Last season, Graterol went 1-2 with a 3.09 ERA in 23 appearances for the Dodgers. Graterol’s average velocity on his sinker last season was 99.3 mph. The Dodgers have gotten plenty of production from Corey Knebel, Blake Treinen and Kenley Jansen so far this season, and Graterol would give them yet another late-inning option.
Joe Kelly also threw in a game on Tuesday against the Padres, according to Roberts, but the right-hander is “a few weeks” behind Graterol.