Dodgers Anticipate Key Player Returns Before Trade Deadline

In the lead-up to MLB’s trade deadline on August 3, the Dodgers’ strategy remains a bit uncertain. It appears, however, that important players may soon be back from their injuries.

Closer Edwin Diaz is set to make his return next Tuesday after the Dodgers finish their nine-game road stint on the East Coast. This will mark his first game since April, when he underwent surgery to remove a loose body in his elbow. Diaz is scheduled for two additional minor league appearances this Thursday and Sunday, after a recent rehab outing with Triple-A Oklahoma City. Assuming all goes well, he should be ready to take the mound for the team’s series opener against the Mariners.

Manager Roberts expressed optimism about Diaz’s progress. “If he keeps trending in the right direction and checks all the boxes, we feel good about him being in a solid position,” he noted, reflecting on Diaz’s previous struggles this season.

Meanwhile, utility player Quique Hernandez is nearing the end of his own recovery from a neck strain that sidelined him for much of the season. He had just returned from offseason elbow surgery before this setback. Hernandez started his rehabilitation recently and played in a game earlier this week. While he’s expected to return during the Dodgers’ upcoming homestand, it’s still unclear if he’ll join the lineup alongside Diaz.

“He’s in a good spot,” Roberts stated, remaining cautiously optimistic about Hernandez’s readiness for a return on the same day as Diaz.

The reintegration of Diaz and Hernandez could significantly benefit the Dodgers. They faced challenges in the absence of Diaz, with Tanner Scott stepping in to handle save opportunities. Similarly, the team has missed Hernandez’s versatility and experience, though Alex Freeland has filled in admirably off the bench.

As long as the Dodgers maintain their competitive edge, there’s little urgency for drastic changes to their bullpen or batting order. However, the starting rotation is a different matter. The team is still monitoring the recoveries of Shohei Ohtani, Blake Snell, and Tyler Glasnow. Ohtani is gradually working back after a knee injury, Snell is on a rehab assignment after surgery, and Glasnow has yet to make his return since his hip injury.