Corey Seager will continue rehab in Arizona

If the Dodgers had their druthers, they’d get their main injured list players back for the series against the Giants from July 19-22. But they don’t plan to force the issue.

Corey Seager has been out the longest, out since a fastball broke a bone in his right hand on May 15. He’s been swinging a bat for over a week, and will continue his rehab at Camelback Ranch after a few days of rest during the All-Star break.

“He’s going to Airzona while we’re in Colorado. He’ll take at-bats, simulated games, and some games that will be going on down there,” Roberts said Sunday. “Once we finish that Colorado series, we’ll reassess and see where he’s at physically and make a decision then.”

For now, there are no plans for a minor league rehab assignment for Seager, who hasn’t played in a game in two months. But that could change.

“We’re very open to what Corey feels is best for him to prepare to come back,” Roberts said.

Roberts earlier in the week mentioned the Giants series as a possible target date for Seager’s return.

“I’m hopeful that does happen. If it doesn’t, that’s okay. He’ll be ready when he’s ready,” Roberts said Sunday. “With Corey, it’s been some time, and we’ve just got to make sure we get him feeling physically, mentally, mechanically, all that stuff 100 percent. Whenever that is, we’re all at peace with it.”

Clayton Kershaw could conceivably also return during the Giants series, with Tuesday, July 20 as the earliest, most logical date, after the four current healthy starting pitchers (including David Price) take a turn. But that’s still up in the air.

Kershaw played catch this weekend after being placed on the injured list on Wednesday. MRI results, which showed only inflammation in his left forearm on Friday, were deemed a relief. Kershaw will rest during the All-Star break.

“We want to make sure that when he does come back, he feels great. We don’t want any more soreness or anything. When he does come back, it’s going to be a sprint. I just don’t know when the return date will be,” Roberts said. “For him to kind of ‘take a blow,’ I think it’s a smart thing for all of us, and for Clayton. When he comes back, it will be when he’s raring to go.”

Jimmy Nelson, placed on the injured list on Friday with a left lumbar strain, has been playing catch over the weekend. He’s on a similar, nebulous timetable as Seager and Kershaw.

“My hope is that he’ll be active against the Giants,” Roberts said. “But if that isn’t the case, we’ll pivot.”