Dodgers still unsure of when Cody Bellinger will be ready to return

The Dodgers have the best record in baseball at 9-2, but they’re still dealing with a number of injuries.

Arguably the most important one is Cody Bellinger, who was placed on the 10-day Injured List last week with a left calf contusion. According to manager Dave Roberts, we don’t have a date as to when we can expect Bellinger to return.

“He’s doing a lot of work with the trainers and strength guys,” Roberts said to the media on Wednesday. “Yesterday he did some running and swinging. There’s some swelling that’s healing. He’s just not there. I know I keep saying day-to-day, but I don’t know the timetable for him to return.”

Roberts added that Bellinger is able to swing the bat with no pain, but he’s unable to run at full speed. The plan is for Bellinger to travel with the team on their upcoming road trip, but an activation in San Diego doesn’t look likely. Roberts said it’s certainly possible if Bellinger recovers and gets the green light from the training staff, but he doesn’t want to put a date on it.

As Roberts mentioned, the Dodgers have plenty of options to fill the void while Bellinger is out, including Chris Taylor, Matt Beaty, Edwin Rios and Zach McKinstry.

Brusdar Graterol was the next name that Roberts mentioned, saying that the plan is for Graterol to throw on Thursday. If that goes well, he’ll join the Dodgers in San Diego as part of their taxi squad. There’s a solid chance he can be activated for the series this weekend, but Roberts said they’ll know more after seeing how he throws tomorrow.

Joe Kelly, another pitcher who has yet to pitch this season, threw yesterday and it went well. However, Roberts said Kelly is still a ways from returning, and is at least a couple weeks behind Graterol. It’s looking like we don’t see Kelly until at least May.

Finally, the last update was in regards to Tony Gonsolin. He was placed on the 10-day IL 10 days ago with right shoulder inflammation. Roberts said that Gonsolin hasn’t picked up a baseball or resumed throwing, which means he’ll still likely be out for some time. Roberts added that Gonsolin is still letting the pain subside, along with the soreness and inflammation.