The Los Angeles Dodgers had all of their Opening Day lineup positions healthy once again, exactly one month after their last complete lineup. JD Martinez, the designated hitter, returned from the 10-day injured list. Rookie Michael Bush was also an option to Triple-A Oklahoma City. Martinez mentioned that his back injury, which happened on April 23 in Chicago, was slowly building up. After practicing at the Dodger’s Camelback Ranch facility for three days, which comprised more than 12 at-bats against his teammates each day, Martinez had a cleanup on Friday against Padres lefty Blake Snell, following which he confirmed his readiness.
Although many players require minor-league rehabilitation when out for three weeks, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts trusted Martinez to self-report his readiness. Martinez had four homers and 13 RBIs in 23 games, batting .250 before his injury. Roberts referred to Martinez as having a presence in the lineup and being happy to have him back. Meanwhile, Bush, the Dodgers’ first-round draft pick in 2019, had four hits, four walks, and nine strikeouts in 23 at-bats. He had played in seven games and had appeared at second base, third base, left field, and designated hitter. With Martinez back in DH duties, he will be under more pressure at bat.
Noah Syndergaard’s start in Milwaukee on May 11 was limited to one inning owing to an unclosed cut on his right index finger. Dermabond liquid glue was used to seal his wounds and will be applied again on Saturday, after Syndergaard’s bullpen session. Syndergaard plans to start against the Minnesota Twins starting Monday. Gavin Stone, who made his major league debut as a spot starter on May 3 against the Philadelphia Phillies, will likely start if Syndergaard is unable to pitch.
Additionally, the Dodgers dropped left-handed reliever Caleb Ferguson from his paternity list and optioned Wonder Suelo to Triple-A Oklahoma City. Pitcher Jimmy Nelson was suspended from a rehabilitation program due to his elbow and has not played in any games since spring training. Daniel Hudson is still pitching but will not return as he still has scar tissue from his left knee surgery. Right-hander Walker Buehler has been progressing well from his Tommy John surgery and has started pitching on the mound again during rehab.