Josh Donaldson ran the bases well enough progress to the next portion of his rehab, suggesting a return to the Twins as early as Monday or Tuesday, per Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com (via Twitter). When Donaldson does return, he’ll put his perfect season on the line. He doubled in his only plate appearance of the season before straining his hamstring. Luis Arraez, however, has maintained the potency of the hot corner while Donaldson’s been away. Arraez has slashed .381/.462/.571 while starting six of the seven games since the injury. Willians Astudillo started on Arraez’s day off, going 0-2 while driving in a run with a sac fly. Elsewhere…
- Braves setup man Chris Martin will be eligible to come off the injured list on April 17th, but manager Brian Snitker doesn’t think it will be that simple, per Mark Bowman of MLB.com (via Twitter). Martin’s shoulder only recently became an area of concern. Still, Martin is looking at a longer-than-minimal stay on the injured list. In the meantime, Sean Newcomb and Jacob Webb will have the opportunity to raise their stock in the Atlanta pen, per the Athletic’s David O’Brien (via Twitter). Webb from the right side and Newcomb from the left will try to soak up some of Martin’s setup duties.
- Brusdar Graterol is readying to make his season debut. Per Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times (via Twitter), Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said, “Everything looked good, so we’re trying to figure out the next step. We’re hoping to get him back soon. Just hesitant to put a day on it.” Graterol got a late start in preparing for the season, leaving Blake Treinen, Corey Knebel, and Kenley Jansen as the late-game righties available to Roberts. The Dodgers have high hopes that the 22-year-old Graterol can be weaponized either as a traditional setup man or as a multi-inning option out of the pen.
slowcurve
Maybe Chris Martin just wants to wait until May or June to pitch because he’s so damn tired of Coldplay.
Smacky
I have no words. The starting pitcher named after Jethro Tull had a decent day though.
TradeAcuna
These Chris Martin jokes are annoying and getting old
Anyways, he could use an IL break. He has been cold lately and needs the rest to improve his play.
Smacky
Says the commenter who’s profile pic is of the player named after Jethro Tull.
everlastingdave
One day, a team will come along and they’ll cut him loose.
jimthegoat
Well nobody said it was easy to pitch in the majors…
laswagn
Who gets sent down when Graterol comes off the IL? Do the Dodgers dare option Jansen or Price?
paddyo furnichuh
Option Jansen or Price? That’s a good one! Those are two veterans who long ago had no options left.
I’d guess Matt Beatty. I like his upside as a hitter, but lacks the defensive versatility needed for a bench spot on the stacked Dodger roster.
blueblood1217
@paddyo875 I agree, Matt Beatty is who I’m thinking too
BigFred
It’s probably going to be a pitcher. Doubtful they increase to 14 pitchers.
frankiegxiii
I’m guessing Santana or Alexander, Alexander still has an option year left right?
Cap & Crunch
You’ll see Santana shuffled this go round-
Id actually like to swap Beaty for Graterol (soon) but we gotta get Mookie back strong first to do that – They don’t need a Bn of 5 at that point
BlueSkies_LA
I agree, Santana will be the one to go.
So what happened to Graterol? His injury never had a name.
Cap & Crunch
Im not a conspiracy theorist but Ill just say I don’t think LAD wants the public to know what happened with Grat – He could be injured , could be some off field/overseas issues, could be a mental thing….idk
What I do know is I want him to take all the time he needs at Camel Ranch to get back, no need to rush whatsoever
paulslc
Nah send Scott Booger Alexander away
Stuff is good but he rarely has a clean inning & always has that mixture of fright & shock on his face
+ he’s disgusting
fox471 Dave
Disgusting in what way?
Cap & Crunch
I think Scott is a good trade candidate at the break ….still has value in the league as a lefty but there’s gonna be a real 26 man problem here soon in that bullpen –
Victor Gonzalez has just been amazing and is cool as a cucumber no matter how big the situation
WhenWillRangersWinWS
Cut Jansen!! Barely hits 90 anymore. Does not have sharp secondary pitches anymore.
He is DONE!!
Everytime he comes in. I cringe. Always fun filled drama with Kenley Jansen on the mound!
ray714
And then Jansen came out hitting 94-95 with his pitches today lmao…. Dodgers will send down Santana or cut Nelson for him. Not Jansen
differentbears
Kenley was disgusting today. Just absolutely filthy. 94 mph with a lot of movement.
I can’t recall exactly the last time he was that good, maybe 2017?
mcdusty49
As a Dodgers fan that loves and appreciates what Kenley means to the organization, I think this is the season where we end up transitioning to Graterol as our closer. Kenley has been a good Dodger but when your time is up, your time is up.
paulslc
Graterol doesn’t miss enough bats yet
Knebel is the guy
differentbears
As said, Graterol doesn’t miss bats. Jansen isn’t consistent, but today he was vintage Kenley. I couldn’t believe what I was watching, it was the best he’s looked since maybe 2017.
No guarantee it’ll continue, and that is the problem. But Jansen found something today.
paulslc
Edit: After that performance KENLEY IS STILL THE GUY
WOW
differentbears
It was shocking. I’m rewatching Kershaw’s innings and then the 9th. Kenley Jansen was better than I’d seen him in several years.