Dodgers injury updates: Dustin May, Clayton Kershaw, Bobby Miller, Joe Kelly

The Dodgers have a stunning 11 pitchers on the injured list as of April 29, when Ryan Brasier went onto the 15-day with a right calf strain. He joined Kyle Hurt (moved from the 15- to the 60-day), Bobby Miller, and Connor Brogdon, who all went down with various unexpected injuries in April.

There was always going to be an uncomfortable number of pitchers on the IL to start the season (Tony Gonsolin, Dustin May, Clayton Kershaw, Walker Buehler), but then there were a few unfortunate additions after spring training (Emmet Sheehan, Brusdar Graterol, Blake Treinen) and even more during the first month of play.

It's a lot to keep track of, but there are couple of positive developments for a few of the guys who are basically IL old-timers at this point -- as well as one for an unexpected, in-season addition.

But the Dodgers could also see that 11 go up to 12 soon, as yet another reliever looks like he might be headed to the IL after fielding a ground ball on Tuesday.

Dodgers injury updates: Positive developments for Dustin May, Clayton Kershaw, Bobby Miller; potential bad news for Joe Kelly

May hasn't be able to stay healthy since 2020, during the COVID-shortened season when he received Rookie of the Year votes for his 56 innings (a career high) and 2.57 ERA. The next three seasons were cut short at 23, 30, and 48 innings with a UCL tear, lower back tightness, and more UCL problems respectively. He's been good when he's actually healthy, but it's seemed almost impossible for him to stay that way. In what will now mark his third attempt at a comeback, May has been working out at Camelback and is expected to start throwing off a mound in "a week to 10 days."

Kershaw, who set a loose timeline for return for himself during spring training ("late summer"), is close to starting bullpen sessions. Miller, who recently got an MRI that thankfully revealed no structural damage to his shoulder, is also throwing.

Joe Kelly pitched an inning on Tuesday, during which he gave up one hit but no runs while striking out a batter, but he was attended to by trainers after fielding a bunt that advanced a runner into scoring position. He stayed in the game, but Dave Roberts told reporters afterwards that Kelly "tweaked his right groin" and would see how he felt before proceeding. Despite Kelly's struggles so far this year, the Dodgers really can't afford to lose another arm. Hopefully, all that was just a twinge that won't warrant an IL-stint.