Dodgers: Rich Hill nearing return; Alex Verdugo suffers setback

The Dodgers’ injury updates on Wednesday were a mix of good and bad news involving Rich Hill and Alex Verdugo.  There was also good news involving Muncy.

Wednesday there were some more injury updates involving the Dodgers and it was a mixed bag.  For the good news, Rich Hill is going to throw to batters on Friday and if he comes out of that session feeling good to go, he will be activated next week and return to the Dodgers.  Hill is expected to return in a relief role as he has not built his pitch count up.

Given the expanded rosters, the Dodgers could give Hill a start after a relief appearance or two and let him pitch two to three innings as they did with Julio Urias on Tuesday night.  If they still consider Rich to be the fourth playoff starter then it makes sense to give him an abbreviated start and slowly work his pitch count up.

Verdugo suffers a setback

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The bad news involved Alex Verdugo who is returning to Arizona to get treatment on his back.  Dugie is still feeling back soreness as he attempts to return from an oblique injury.  When he starts back up he will stay in Arizona to rehab.  With just a few weeks remaining in the season, the clock is now working against Alex.

He will need to return soon in order to receive strong consideration for a playoff roster spot.  Matt Beaty could be the benefactor if Verdugo is left off the postseason roster.  As the projected playoff roster stands now, there is only going to be one spot for Beaty or Verdugo if Gavin Lux does make the postseason roster.

Max Muncy taking the next step

Max Muncy took the field for some fielding practice prior to Wednesday’s game and the next step for Max is to start swinging.  Dave Roberts said that Max is a candidate to be activated at the end of next week.  If Muncy is able to come back that soon it would be good news as it would allow him plenty of time to get back into the swing of things.

Saturday’s starter TBD

The Dodgers have not yet decided who will start Saturday’s game against the rival Giants.  Ross Stripling and Tony Gonsolin are the two starters being considered.  Stripling pitched three scoreless innings in his return Sunday, while Gonsolin has been very good for the Dodgers in whatever role they put him in.