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Scott Elbert is coming back from a pair of arthroscopic surgeries on his left elbow in the offseason, and is expected to miss a month of the season. One week ago, I wrote about Elbert making sure he is fully healthy before he is activated:
Elbert is being cautious in his return.
"I want to take advantage of the time that the rehab offers. I want to make sure that when I do come back it's for the longevity of my career and not just to rush back for 2013," Elbert said. "I want it to last forever."
The former first round pick has settled in quite nicely in the bullpen in the past two years, with a 2.32 ERA, a 1.227 WHIP, 63 strikeouts in 66 innings combined. But as recently as 2010 Elbert was a starter. I asked if he ever wanted to return to starting, but he likes his current role.
"At this point, anything is possible. But not really, because I like to be able to pitch every day. I like being ready every day," Elbert said. "You have to stay within the game every day. If you don't and they say, 'Elbert get up,' and you're not prepared, it's not going to be a good day."
I tried to tell Elbert that his golf game might improve as a starter, but he just laughed.
"My golf game wasn't that good to begin with," Elbert said.
Trivia
Elbert has 10 unintentional walks in 43 career innings at Dodger Stadium, and 26 unintentional walks in 49⅓ innings on the road.
Elbert and his wife had their third child during the offseason, as Miranda was born in November.
Contract Status
Elbert has two years, 69 days of service time, one year away from being eligible for salary arbitration. He is out of options.
Previous Player Profiles
2010: One of many fifth starter candidates
2011: Still left-handed, still wild
2012: No subtitle needed
Stats
| Year | Age | IP | BB/9 | K/9 | ERA | FIP |
| 2010 (AAA - Abuquerque) |
24 | 43⅓ | 7.06 | 9.35 | 4.98 | 4.82 |
| 2011 |
25 | 33⅓ | 3.78 | 9.18 | 2.43 | 2.73 |
| 2012 | 26 | 32⅔ | 3.58 | 7.99 | 2.20 | 3.80 |
| 2013 Projections - Age 27 Season | ||||||
| Source | IP | BB/9 | K/9 | ERA | FIP | |
| Oliver | 42 | 4.48 | 8.91 | 3.65 | 3.97 | |
| ZiPS | 40 | 3.60 | 9.00 | 3.38 | 3.52 | |
| Pecota | 26⅔ | 3.71 | 9.45 | 3.68 | ---- | |
2013 Outlook
Elbert is expected to begin throwing during the first week of March, and should return to the Dodgers around the first week of May. I think there will be a spot waiting for him in the bullpen upon his return, and I think Elbert puts up a 3.41 ERA with 31 strikeouts in 29 innings.
Be sure to guess how you think Elbert will perform for the Dodgers in 2013. Include ERA and whatever else you wish to guess.