The Dodgers lineup is going to get a shot in the arm next week with the likely return of shortstop Hanley Ramirez.
Ramirez is making his first rehab start in Bakersfield on Friday for the Dodgers. It has been reported that he could be ready to join the team as soon as Monday.
Ramirez started the season on the DL with a broken thumb and only played in four games before returning with a hamstring injury. In those four games we did very well putting up an impressive .455/.500/.909.
If he stays healthy upon his return Ramirez will provide stability to the left side of the infield by ending the carousel of players starting at shortstop. He will also take some of the pressure off the middle of the lineup for Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier and Adrian Gonzalez.
In other injury news, Dodger starting pitcher Josh Beckett's return from his groin injury could be delayed after he reported numbness and tingling in his fingers. His MRI results have not been reported yet, but his throwing program has been shut down.
Beckett's return is not exactly a pressing issue for the Dodger, who have a complete starting rotation right now. Beckett was also not having a very good season before his DL stint.
On Wednesday, Matt Kemp exited the game in the seventh inning during a pitching change after a conversation with a trainer. It is being reported that he is suffering from a mild hamstring strain.
He will undergo an MRI on Thursday and the severity of the strain is unknown.
Many speculated that his removal on Wednesday could be attributed to being hit by a pitch and leaving the game on Tuesday.
Losing Kemp is not a good situation for the Dodgers, but at least they will be getting Hanley Ramirez back in the lineup soon.
Just as it looks like the Dodgers might finally get a back to a healthy roster, another player goes down. It will be interesting to see how the Dodgers handle losing Kemp if that ends up being the case.
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