The Los Angeles Dodgers’ 2024 season hasn’t gone fully to plan, after a large spending spree in the offseason. While Los Angeles is still one of the better teams across baseball, they have dealt with multiple injuries to key players around the roster.
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The Dodgers’ starting rotation has been hit hard by injuries, causing them to slip down in the standings. One of which is right-hander Walker Buehler, who has been out since June due to right hip inflammation.
But it’s also been position players that have been forced to miss time as well. Injuries have shown no preference when it comes to the Dodgers this season.
Los Angeles has been without star Mookie Betts since June when he fractured his hand on a hit by pitch. The Dodgers have also been without third baseman Max Muncy since May due to a right oblique strain.
However, it seems that Los Angeles may be getting ready to get multiple players back from the injury list. Buehler, Muncy, and Betts are all expected to be back soon, giving a massive spark to the Dodgers for the stretch run of the season.
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Buehler is expected to return to the team next week, potentially to make a start against the Milwaukee Brewers. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts spoke to reporters on Friday, providing an update on the right-hander.
“Walker was good yesterday. He got into the sixth inning, which was really good to see. The performance, the stuff, all that was lined up. To imagine him making a start for us in Milwaukee seems feasible. So we’re trending.”
Buehler has looked like a shell of himself this season, posting an ERA of 5.84 over eight starts. Los Angeles is hoping that his stay on the injury list helps things and Buehler can get back to being the ace they know and love.
Muncy has seen multiple setbacks in his quest to return but seemed to turn a corner recently. He is expected to make a rehab assignment at Tripe-A Oklahoma City, likely giving him the green light to return.
#Dodgers 3B Max Muncy and UTIL Tommy Edman will begin rehab assignments at triple-A OKC on Saturday. RHP Walker Buehler will probably rejoin rotation in Milwaukee next Thursday.
— Mike DiGiovanna (@MikeDiGiovanna) August 9, 2024
As for Betts, he will return to the Dodgers next week from the fractured hand. Betts had been playing shortstop for Los Angeles before his injury but will now return to the outfield upon his return.
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The return of all these players should help the Dodgers as they try to hold onto the National League West division. Los Angeles has seen a large lead in the division get slimmed down to just 2.5 games entering play on Saturday.