Welcome to the last few days of stress free Los Angeles Dodgers baseball for the 2022 season!
The Dodgers have their last three games of the season, at home, continuing what is essentially a six game series with the Colorado Rockies. So far, the Dodgers have won two of three from their NL West counterparts.
Monday is a big day, in that Tony Gonsolin will make his long awaited return to the starting rotation. Gonsolin has been out since August 29th, dealing with forearm tightness. Before going on the injured list, Gonsolin pitched to a 16-1 record with a 2.10 ERA.
If all goes well with his outing Monday night, the plan is to use Gonsolin as a starter in the postseason. Wether he start Game 3 or 4 is yet to be determined, with the other being started by Tyler Anderson.
In the corresponding move, Andre Jackson was optioned back to Triple-A Oklahoma City. Jackson has pitched well while with the big team, going 0-0 with a 1.86 ERA and six strikeouts.
Blake Treinen could also be nearing a return, again. Treinen advanced to throwing a bullpen at Dodgers Stadium on Monday.
When asked about Treinen’s chances of making the postseason roster, Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts has this to say –
“He is still in the hopeful category,” Roberts said of Treinen joining the Dodgers for the NLDS. “You know, I’m hopeful. I think each passing day is beneficial to Blake. I’m still hopeful for the DS, but I think we’ll kind of go from there. And hopefully, he’ll be there to see it through.”
Chris Taylor may not be ready for the NLDS. Also on Monday, Roberts spoke of an issue with CT3’s neck.
Taylor was originally supposed to start Sunday’s game, but was scratched with what the Dodgers called neck tightness. The utility star received a cortisone shot on Monday, and the Dodgers are hopeful that will kick in 24-48 after injection.
Roberts acknowledged that he was “concerned” about the state of Taylor’s neck, but he remains “hopeful” that CT3 can return in time for the NLDS, although there is growing concern he may not be ready in time. Taylor will not be in any of the final three games, but could see some live pitching in sim games in the break between the regular season and the NLDS if his neck starts responding to treatment.
The NLDS starts for the Dodgers Tuesday, October 11th. As it stands right now, the Dodgers would face the winner of the New York Mets and San Diego Padres best-of-three Wild Card round.
CT3 not being ready to go is a little concerning. He usually ups his game for the playoffs. Hopefully he’ll be back and available.
If not, it almost seems like the baseball gods are setting things up for Vargas to make the roster. That wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world, although I’d much rather he be there for Gallo. We need a left fielder to put in there against left handers. That could have been Trayce but he’s hitting over .300 against righties and under .200 against southpaws. Gallo is hitting .113 against southpaws and in the .170’s against righties. The guy who’s hitting lefties is Alberto. Unfortunately he doesn’t play outfield.
I would have kept Jackson and sent Kimbral out. Gallo out, Outman in post season.
I’m with you Brent, but they’re going to defer to the veterans 9 times out of 10.
Vargas has a legitimate chance to be there, but I think in the end they go with the Vets. Kimbrel is going to be on the playoff roster. He has pitched ok the last couple of times out. Doesn’t mean he is going to close. Pitching options are huge, bench spots not so much.