Injuries & Moves: Knack recalled for start against Reds

Injuries & Moves: Knack recalled for start against Reds

May 19th, 2024

LATEST NEWS

May 19: Recalled RHP from Triple-A Oklahoma City and added LHP to the active roster; optioned RHPs and to Triple-A
With the Dodgers needing a starter for the series finale against the Reds, they decided to bring back Knack, who has been solid this season. The rookie right-hander came into Sunday’s start with a 2.81 ERA over his first three starts. Banda, meanwhile, will make his Dodgers debut when he gets into a game. The left-hander was acquired earlier this week from the Guardians in exchange for cash considerations.

To make room for Banda and Knack, the Dodgers optioned Vanasco and Feyereisen. Of the two, Feyereisen was the most surprising move. After a slow start to the season, Feyereisen has not allowed a run over his last seven outings, which included his first save of the year last Monday.

May 17: Placed 3B on 10-day IL; activated OF ; optioned OF ; recalled OF ; acquired LHP from the Guardians
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Muncy felt a grab on his right side during batting practice before Thursday's game against the Reds. Muncy underwent scans that revealed a mild right oblique strain. The Dodgers are hopeful that Muncy won’t miss extended time with the injury. More >>

After a couple of rehab games with Triple-A Oklahoma City, Heyward is back from the injured list for the first time since March 30. The veteran outfielder hit eighth and played right field on Friday.

In order to make room for Heyward on the active roster, the Dodgers decided to option Outman, who has been the starting center fielder for the last year-plus. Outman got off to a bad start at the plate, posting a .516 OPS in 109 at bats.

Vargas, who was the Dodgers’ starting second baseman on Opening Day last year, is making his first appearance in the Majors this season. The 24-year-old has raked in Triple-A this season, hitting eight homers and posting a 1.019 OPS in 139 at-bats. Vargas has been playing left field since the beginning of Spring Training.

Banda, 30, was acquired for cash considerations, giving the Dodgers another depth option in Triple-A. The left-hander has made 90 appearances in the Majors, posting a 5.69 ERA.

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INJURY UPDATES

RHP/DH (elbow surgery)
Expected return: 2025 (as a pitcher)
Ohtani threw for the first time on March 26 since undergoing right elbow surgery in September, getting out to 45 feet. Manager Dave Roberts said that the two-way star is "anxious ... to continue to get going and keep moving forward." Roberts reiterated in March that Ohtani will not pitch this season. (Last updated: March 25)

10-day/15-day injured list

OF (right oblique strain)
Expected return: Late May to early June
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Muncy felt a grab on his right side during batting practice before the May 16 game against the Reds. Muncy underwent scans that revealed a mild right oblique strain. The Dodgers are hopeful that Muncy won’t miss extended time with the injury. (Last updated: May 17)

RHP (right hamstring strain)
Expected return: Mid-to-late May
Phillips took his biggest step in his recovery so far on May 15, throwing off a mound. The session went as expected, and he could have another throwing session off a mound on May 18. Phillips hasn’t stopped throwing since suffering the injury on May 4. There remains “no expectation” on when he will return. (Last updated: May 16)

RHP (right shoulder inflammation)
Expected return: Late May or early June
Miller is making promising steps toward a return, as the right-hander threw two simulated innings on May 15 and his velocity was as expected, according to manager Dave Roberts. The next step is to assess how Miller came out of the session with either another simulated game or a Minor League rehab assignment. (Last updated: May 16)

RHP (right posterior shoulder)
Expected return: Late May
Kelly was unexpectedly placed on the 15-day injured list before the May 6 game against the Marlins. It’s unclear how much time Kelly will be forced to miss, but the right-hander joins a long list of Dodgers relievers to be placed on the IL this season. (Last updated: May 6)

RHP (calf strain)
Expected return: TBD
Brasier pulled his right calf muscle while doing some sprinting as part of his regular warmups before the Dodgers' game against the D-backs on April 29 and was placed on the 15-day injured list, retroactive to April 28. An MRI on April 30 revealed the strain was mild. (Last updated: April 30)

60-day IL

RHP (right plantar fasciitis)
Expected return: TBD
Brogdon, who was acquired from the Phillies in April, went on the injured list for the first time this season. The right-hander gave up a pair of solo home runs in his one appearance with the Dodgers. He was transferred to the 60-day IL on May 19. (Last updated: May 19)

RHP (right forearm inflammation)
Expected return: 2025
Sheehan suffered an injury in his first bullpen session of the spring and never got into Cactus League action. The right-hander had started throwing to hitters for the first time, but on May 16 the Dodgers announced that he had undergone successful surgery on his right elbow that would end his 2024 season. (Last updated: May 16)

LHP (left shoulder surgery)
Expected return: After the All-Star break
Kershaw completed his second bullpen session of his rehab on May 7, throwing 20 pitches. The likely future Hall of Famer has been progressing well and the Dodgers have been encouraged with his recovery. Kershaw is still a few months away from returning, but the 'pens are a big step in the right direction for the left-hander. (Last updated: May 7)

RHP (right shoulder inflammation)
Expected return: No earlier than June
Hurt went on the injured list for the first time in his big league career, retroactive to April 17. It’s unclear when Hurt sustained the injury and how long he’ll be sidelined. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Hurt doesn’t have to undergo further testing, which could be a good sign. The right-hander has a 1.35 ERA over 6 2/3 innings in three appearances this season. He was transferred to the 60-day IL on April 27. (Last updated: April 27)

RHP (right shoulder inflammation)
Expected return: Mid- to late May
Graterol won’t be able to return until some point in mid-May, but the right-hander began his progression on April 15, throwing a “good” bullpen session, according to manager Dave Roberts. Graterol was the Dodgers’ best reliever last season. (Last updated: April 15)

RHP (right flexor tendon surgery)
Expected return: 2024
After six weeks without picking up a baseball, scans revealed that May needed to undergo right elbow surgery to repair his flexor tendon. The surgery took place on July 18 and was performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles. There’s no firm timetable for May’s return, but a second major elbow surgery in the past three seasons puts much of his '24 in doubt. The Dodgers placed him on the 60-day injured list to begin the 2024 season. (Last updated: Feb. 9)

RHP (Tommy John surgery)
Expected return: 2024
Gonsolin had Tommy John surgery on Sept. 1, performed by team doctor Neal ElAttrache. He was placed on the injured list Aug. 19 with what was diagnosed as right forearm inflammation. Gonsolin also was placed on the IL late in the 2022 season with a right forearm strain. He started the '23 campaign on the IL with a left ankle sprain and was 8-5 with a 4.98 ERA in 20 starts. He had been dealing with arm soreness for an extended period before he went on the IL. The Dodgers placed Gonsolin on the 60-day injured list on Feb. 9. (Last updated: Feb. 9)

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