Dodgers: Rich Hill to undergo MRI Monday; Verdugo still shutdown

The Dodgers will put Rich Hill through an MRI when they return to Los Angeles on Monday. Tony Gonsolin will take Hill’s slot in the rotation.

Dave Roberts provided the latest injury updates before Friday’s series opener against the Mets and it was all bad news.  As expected, Rich Hill will undergo an MRI on his re-injured left knee on Monday.  That is when the club will return to Los Angeles and have a day off.  Hill is unlikely to be ready to go for the postseason and an MRI will likely confirm that.

With Hill unlikely for the postseason, the Dodgers are going to give Tony Gonsolin a start next Wednesday against the Tampa Bay Rays.  Ross Stripling will start on Tuesday and both pitchers are in consideration to be the Dodgers’ fourth playoff starter.  Dave Roberts did say it is possible the club could use multiple pitchers rather than one fourth playoff starter.

Verdugo unlikely for NLDS

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Alex Verdugo will be with the team in Los Angeles next week but he is still not going to be doing any baseball activities and continues to be shutdown.  Roberts said that Dugie is unlikely to be ready for the first round of the postseason.  That leaves an opening for a player who was on the roster bubble such as Matt Beaty.

Verdugo last appeared in a game on August 4th as he has been plagued by a back/oblique injury that has been bothering him since May.  If he can get healthy before a possible NLCS appearance, it will be interesting to see if the Dodgers bring him back since there are no minor league games for him to rehab in.

No Turner in the big apple

Justin Turner is the one Dodger who has received good news lately in regards to injuries.  JT is dealing with a sprained ankle and is not going to play in any games against the Mets.  Roberts said that Turner is expected to be in the lineup on Tuesday.  That will give Justin two weeks of games to get ready for another World Series run.

Muncy playing through pain

Max Muncy will return to the Dodger’s lineup on Friday but he is still dealing with some pain in his injured wrist.  Muncy said that he is fine hitting wise but he feels some pain making throws and will be wearing a special brace made for him.  Dave Roberts expects Muncy to play some second base still, even with Gavin Lux trying to make his own case for the postseason roster.