Dodgers Nearing Full Strength As Key Players Return from Injury

The Los Angeles Dodgers are on the cusp of achieving full strength as key players like utilityman Kiké Hernández and closer Edwin Díaz prepare for their returns to the active roster this week. Pitcher Blake Snell is also nearing activation after completing his minor-league rehabilitation assignment.

These impending returns are being viewed by team members as significant reinforcements, comparable to midseason acquisitions. First baseman Freddie Freeman expressed excitement about the incoming players, stating, “Nice trade deadline, huh?” The team currently holds a major-league-leading 67-39 record. If they achieved this success with several key players sidelined, their performance could elevate further as they approach full health.

While the focus is on winning, the Dodgers are also prioritizing player preparation for the postseason. This includes addressing slumps and lingering injuries affecting players like Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts.

Ohtani, who has been shut down from pitching due to a knee issue, has struggled at the plate since the All-Star break, batting .184 with 10 strikeouts in 41 plate appearances. Betts, slowed by an early-season oblique injury, has seen his batting average drop to .181 since the All-Star break after hitting .292 in the 16 games prior.

Kyle Tucker has shown signs of improvement, homering in consecutive games against the Mets, a positive development in his season-long slump. He admitted that maintaining confidence has been challenging but expressed optimism. "I feel a lot better," Tucker said. "Need more of that."

Díaz's return to the bullpen is anticipated to provide a significant boost. He saved four games before undergoing surgery for bone chips in his right elbow. While the bullpen performed adequately in his absence, it showed signs of strain on their recent trip, with Evan Phillips charged with two losses and Will Klein giving up six runs in three appearances. Manager Dave Roberts stated, “It’ll be good to get Edwin back,” confirming Díaz will resume his closer role, allowing Tanner Scott to be used more flexibly.

Hernández's return will complete an infield makeover that began in mid-June with Tommy Edman's activation from the injured list. Santiago Espinal was designated for assignment upon Edman's return, and Alex Freeland is expected to be optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City once Hernández joins the roster. Edman has settled in at second base, with Miguel Rojas providing occasional support. Hernández will add another veteran presence.

The team's primary concern remains catcher Will Smith, who has been sidelined for over a month and a half with a neck injury. Roberts reported that Smith is pain-free and has begun physical activity.

In terms of the rotation, the Dodgers are managing their sidelined pitchers carefully. Snell is scheduled to pitch four innings in his next minor-league start, with a potential return to the rotation next week. Tyler Glasnow has begun throwing to hitters and is nearing a minor-league rehabilitation assignment. Ohtani, who has not pitched since before the All-Star Game due to his knee issue, experienced a "regression" in his knee after a bullpen session, prompting the cancellation of a follow-up session. Manager Dave Roberts indicated that Ohtani's recent developments would not alter the team's approach to the upcoming trade deadline.