Dodgers proper fielder Jason Heyward has not performed since Saturday. In response to Invoice Plunkett of The Orange Nation Register, Heyward wasn’t even on the stadium on Monday night time, because the Dodgers welcomed the Giants for the primary matchup of a three-game set. Heyward, 34, has been coping with a stiff again for a couple of week. On Monday, he went to get his again checked out, and supervisor Dave Roberts mentioned he would “in all probability get some imaging” (as relayed by Plunkett). Presumably, the Dodgers will know extra in regards to the severity of his damage later tonight or tomorrow.
If Heyward wants a stint on the injured checklist, the Dodgers will possible recall Miguel Vargas from Triple-A. Previously a high infield prospect, Vargas started taking some reps in left area in 2022 and has continued to work within the outfield. A right-handed hitter and inexperienced outfielder, Vargas can’t play the identical position because the lefty-batting, Gold Glove-winning Heyward. Nonetheless, he can present the Dodgers with an additional physique for the outfield, possible splitting time with Chris Taylor and Enrique Hernández.
In additional optimistic information for the Dodgers, Plunkett studies that right-handed relievers Brusdar Graterol and Blake Treinen are making progress as they recuperate from a shoulder damage and a bruised lung and ribs, respectively. Graterol is on the brink of throw off a mound tomorrow, whereas Treinen “would possibly throw flippantly off a mound” someday earlier than Thursday.
In different information from across the NL West…
Reigning NL Cy Younger and new Giants ace Blake Snell will make his first begin of the season on Monday, supervisor Bob Melvin instructed reporters (together with Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports activities Bay Space). He has already begun dealing with minor league hitters, and he’ll pitch in a simulated sport towards his personal teammates on Wednesday earlier than taking over the Nationals subsequent week. The southpaw joins a Giants rotation that already options final yr’s Cy Younger runner-up Logan Webb, highly-touted rookie Kyle Harrison, and flame-throwing reliever-turned-starter Jordan Hicks.
Talking of star free brokers who signed too late to pitch in spring coaching, Jordan Montgomery was unable to throw a correct simulated sport this afternoon because of poor climate, however he nonetheless acquired in 50 pitches over three up-downs, studies Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports activities. Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic provides that Montgomery is scheduled to make his first begin for Triple-A Reno on Sunday. The Diamondbacks haven’t mentioned what number of begins the lefty wants earlier than he’s MLB-ready, however throughout his introductory press convention, Montgomery himself mentioned he was eyeing April 19 because the date for his return (per Weiner). Certainly, Robert Murray of FanSided studies that the 2023 World Collection champion has a clause in his contract that requires him to be within the majors by April 19. Nevertheless, Montgomery will presumably keep within the minors a little bit longer whether it is what’s greatest for his long-term well being and efficiency.