Dodgers Way Quick Hits: Koehler, Trades, Kershaw, Kemp

The Dodgers win-streak was snapped at four after taking a four to one loss to the Giants on Sunday, June 17. The team also received a mixture of good and bad news that day.

This past offseason, the Dodgers signed Tom Koehler, a 31-year old right-handed pitcher, who was making a transition from the rotation to the bullpen. Koehler began experiencing pain in his throwing arm during Spring Training and it was ultimately determined that he had an anterior capsule strain. Koehler was well on his way to making his 2018 debut with a Dodgers team that could certainly use his innings but on Sunday, the team received news that Koehler experienced a setback in his recovery and his timetable would be extended until August. The setback is obviously a blow for Koehler but more so for the front office who had to have been looking forward to an experienced long-man joining the bullpen. Koehler has not been shut down but his progress has been slowed in a big way.

Other notes…

• Koehler’s injury, while unfortunate, may have opened up the door for a number of different trades for bullpen arms. The team can explore different routes, some involving long-men or innings eaters and other have the team acquiring a late-inning setup man. Whichever option they choose, the choices are actually plentiful and worth some spending on the trade market. Trevor Cahill and Kyle Barraclough are just two of many choices for the team to add.

More from Dodgers Way

• Kevin Kiermaier being ‘top target’ to replace Cody Bellinger is bad sign for Dodgers
• Are the Dodgers really prepared to hand Shohei Ohtani a blank check?
• Dodgers fans shouldn’t dismiss interest in Dansby Swanson for this reason
• Giants laughably sign pitcher that Dodgers absolutely own
• Dave Roberts’ quote about Padres in NLDS should motivate Dodgers

• Clayton Kershaw has made remarkable progress in his recovery from an injury that happened just two weeks ago. Alanna Rizzo of SportsNet LA reported that Kershaw would throw a bullpen of three innings or 45 pitches and after that, he could go on a rehab assignment. Kershaw, if he is actually healthy, is closer than one might expect.

Next: Dodgers: 2018 Showing Just How Special LA's Depth is

• Matt Kemp was given the day off on Sunday against the Giants while he continues to appeal his suspension for an altercation with Rangers’ catcher, Robinson Chirinos. Chirinos has already served his one-game suspension but Kemp is currently in the appeals process. The appeal was sent based upon Kemp’s belief that his move was just and legal. Kemp did run over the catcher but, to be fair, the catcher was in his base path and Kemp did not deviate from that path to make contact with the catcher. Kemp also did not throw the first punch in the fight that ensued after the play at the plate and that could also be behind his appeal.