Dodgers: A.J. Pollock Getting Closer to a Rehab Assignment

Appearing on AM570 prior to Wednesday’s game, Dodgers’ outfielder A.J. Pollock said he would get his PICC line out on June 12th and then begin a rehab stint shortly after.

A.J. Pollock is hanging out with the Dodgers in Arizona and prior to Wednesday’s day series finale, he appeared with David Vassegh on AM570.  A.J. said that he is scheduled to get his PICC line out in one week on Wednesday, June 12th.  After the line is removed, Pollock can get back to working out and baseball activities.

Pollock said that he is able to work out now and that his elbow is feeling strong.  He had hardware from a previous elbow surgery removed back in early May after he had an infection pop up after brushing the elbow against the outfield wall in Chicago.  Dave Roberts said earlier today that Pollock will need 40-50 at-bats which figures to be a couple of weeks of minor league games.

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The Dodgers have not missed Pollock too much due to the emergence of rookie Alex Verdugo but the team still needs A.J. Pollock.  He helps balance the lineup against left-handed pitching and that is very important for the postseason, especially if the Dodgers match up with a team like the Chicago Cubs.  The Cubs can throw three left-handed starters in Cole Hamels, Jose Quintana, and Jon Lester.

Outside of his bat, Pollock also plays very good defense out in centerfield and the Dodgers’ outfield defense will be even better if Verdugo mans right field and Cody Bellinger moves back to first base.  While the team has said Bellinger will no longer play first base, they will need to fit Verdugo’s bat in the lineup when A.J. returns from his elbow infection.

A return after the All-Star breaks still seems to be the most likely outcome with Pollock but it’s good to finally get a rough outline of his recovery and see a light at the end of the tunnel.  Pollock was LA’s most prized free agent acquisition along with Joe Kelly, and while both have not had a great start to their Dodger tenure, they will be needed in the postseason.