Dodgers likely getting reinforcements back this weekend

The Dodgers got Cody Bellinger and Zach McKinstry back this weekend, and it looks like more help will be on the way, possibly as early as this weekend. While speaking with reporters ahead of Monday’s game, manager Dave Roberts provided updates with the health of a couple of key pieces inching their way back.

AJ Pollock, who has missed the last few weeks with a hamstring injury, looks to be set on joining the Dodgers this weekend in Atlanta. So far, he’s appeared in two games with the Quakes down in Rancho Cucamonga. The plan is for him to play tomorrow and on Wednesday, giving him a total of four games under his belt. If all goes well over these next few days, he’ll travel with the Dodgers to Atlanta and likely be activated off the injured list.

Speaking of rehab assignments, Tony Gonsolin will throw in his third game on Thursday with Oklahoma City. The goal for him is to go five innings and around 75 pitches. Roberts said that if all goes well after his start, he should be ready to join the Dodgers for his spot in the rotation.

Gonsolin has appeared in two games with OKC so far. His first start went great, as he threw three scoreless innings. His last start was a little shaky, but it fell apart right at the end. He retired 11 batters with no problem, but then ran into some trouble and allowed three runs. In his 6 ²⁄₃ innings of work he has seven strikeouts and only one walk.

The Dodgers have been wanting to get him built up to about five innings, so hopefully this start goes as planned and he’ll join the starting rotation next week. And you know what that means, folks.... no more bullpen games!

Lastly, we have an update on Brusdar Graterol. He’ll be throwing in a simulated game today with OKC. The plan for him is 25 pitches. Roberts said that if he comes out of that feeling fine, they’ll discuss the next step in his progression towards returning.

There wasn’t an update on Jimmy Nelson today. The most recent one from Roberts was that he was scheduled to face live hitters on Tuesday. If that goes well, he’ll likely be activated this weekend.