Injury updates on Alex Verdugo and Ross Stripling

After being placed on the 10-day Injured List a few days ago, it looks like it could still be some time until Alex Verdugo returns to the team.

Verdugo last appeared in a game with LA on August 4. With the rookie being out, the Dodgers have plenty of options to replace him in the outfield. On the season, Verdugo is hitting .294 with an OPS of .817. He has 12 homers and has driven in 44 runs.

Another player who is expected to miss additional time is Ross Stripling.

Stripling last pitched on July 24, and was placed on the 10-day IL on July 27. His return has been pushed back multiple times, with Dustin May replacing him in the starting rotation. It was expected that Stripling would make a rehab appearance earlier this week, but the recurring neck troubles put that on hold. He’s made 12 starts this season, going 2-3 with a 3.54 ERA.

Earlier today the Dodgers announced they had acquired José Lobáton from the Seattle Mariners for cash considerations. Lobáton will head to Triple-A, where he’ll likely serve as a backup catcher. Earlier in the week, it was announced that Keibert Ruiz would miss the rest of the season. Lobáton won’t be on the 40-man roster, and it’s likely he’ll never suit up for the Dodgers.

Will Smith will make his first career start in the three-hole. He’ll become the 13th Dodgers catcher to ever hit third, and the youngest to do so.

A.J. Pollock is hitting lead-off against the lefty Robbie Ray. In 2019, Pollock is hitting .417 against lefties, with three home runs and 10 RBI.