LOS ANGELES – Dodgers outfielder Jason Heyward hit a batter and ran sprints on the sector earlier than Friday's sequence opener in opposition to the Padres at Dodger Stadium, the final step in his restoration from again tightness that at the moment has him on the injured record.
The primary Heyward may be activated is Saturday, however it would in all probability be not noted just a little longer.
“Hopefully he'll really feel good tomorrow, and we will construct on that,” supervisor Dave Roberts stated Friday. “What the subsequent plan of action is within the subsequent few days is all depending on how he feels tomorrow. I feel nobody is aware of till he comes tomorrow after this nice day of labor.
Heyward was positioned on the injured record on April 3, but when historical past is any information, he is not going to enter a minor league rehab task earlier than returning. That is Heyward's first stint on the injured record with the Dodgers, however the 15-year veteran with the Cubs from 2018-22 has accomplished six completely different injured record journeys with out a rehab task. Heyward's final recreation within the minor leagues was on July 3, 2017, at then Low-A South Bend.
“With Jason's mandate, he makes certain to be part of that dialog. I hope we’ve a stay scenario.” [facing pitchers in a simulated game] set for him within the subsequent few days,” Roberts stated Friday. “After which at the moment he appears like he wants extra at bats – as a result of the principle factor is, sure, you need him to be wholesome, however we wish him Jason additionally comes again assured within the boat field.”
Friday is Heyward's tenth recreation missed with a strained again, as he additionally didn’t play April 1-2 in opposition to the Giants whereas nonetheless lively. Teoscar Hernández took over proper area in his absence, opening left area.
Towards the three left-handed beginning pitchers with Heyward out, Chris Taylor acquired the beginning. Towards right-handed pitching, freshman Taylor Trammell began in left area as soon as, Kiké Hernández began twice, and Taylor 4 occasions, together with Friday.
The issue for Taylor and the Dodgers although is that he didn't hit any individual up to now this season, simply 1-for-27 with 14 strikeouts. He’s hitless in his final 22 at-bats, with 11 strikeouts.
“With Jason's damage, I’ve just a little extra observe to run [Taylor] on the market, and run Kiké on the market to get some at-bats,'' Roberts stated.[Taylor] he expects lots from himself, and each time he places himself in there, I really feel that one thing good will occur. He's all the time been a streaky man, and I hope he stops tonight and finds one thing that clicks for him.”
