Dodgers are optimistic Danny Duffy returns this month

The 2021 will forever be remembered as the trade deadline in which the Dodgers acquired Max Scherzer and Trea Turner from the Nationals. Lost in that blockbuster was the other move they made, as they acquired Danny Duffy from the Royals.

Duffy was placed on the IL on July 20 with a left flexor strain. He was transferred to the 60-day IL on August 9, meaning it’ll be a few weeks before he’s eligible to be activated. With less than a month left in the regular season, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts still thinks there’s a chance we see Duffy, saying there’s still time.

Duffy recently threw a bullpen session and came out of it feeling well. It looks like the next progression for him would be to get him throwing a simulated game, whenever that may be.

Roberts was asked about what to expect if Duffy were to return to the Dodgers in the coming weeks.

“To be a two-inning monster,” he said. “I still think there’s time for that. One thing I know and is an easy bet, he’s going to do everything he can to be active and help us win a championship.”

Duffy, 32, is currently having a career-year. In 13 games with the Royals, he posted a 2.51 ERA with a 3.39 FIP, 1.21 WHIP and 182 ERA+. His 9.6 SO/9 rate is the best of his career.

If Duffy is able to return and be healthy for LA, he’ll play a huge role in the Dodgers’ quest for a second straight championship.

Links

• Should the Dodgers bring back Max Scherzer this offseason? Mark Whicker of The OC Register writes about why it would be smart for LA
• Speaking of Scherzer, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic writes about why he’s been a necessity for the Dodgers over the past month
• Dylan Hernandez of The LA Times thinks that Cody Bellinger is the Dodgers’ biggest problem, not the Giants