Graterol, Treinen closing in on returns with Dodgers
manager Dave Roberts said.
The two right-handers were integral set-up men when the season began. Graterol went 2-3 with a 3.35 ERA in 37 appearances (40-1/3 innings) prior to the injury. Treinen has appeared in only three games this season. In 2021, Treinen posted a 1.99 ERA across 72 appearances, striking out more than a batter an inning.
Getting both pitchers back provides a jolt of experience to the bullpen for the stretch run, but Roberts would prefer to ease the pair back into their roles.
“Some softer landings initially would be better for everyone,” Roberts said. “The goal is to have both those guys take on any role in leverage, then be able to use (Evan) Phillips, Graterol and Blake kind of interchangeably, as far as right-handed relievers.”
May’s day
In what might have been his final rehab start with Triple-A Oklahoma City, right-hander Dustin May threw five innings for the first time since he tore the UCL in his right elbow in May 2021.
May threw 68 pitches against the Round Rock Express and gave up one run on a solo home run. He allowed three hits in all and walked one batter.
Assuming he inherits Clayton Kershaw’s place in the starting rotation, May might not debut for the Dodgers until Aug. 16 in Milwaukee. That would give him a full five days between starts to prepare for his return.
Ryan Pepiot is expected to take that spot in the rotation tonight against Minnesota. He is on the taxi squad in the meantime.
Also
Infielder Miguel Vargas was formally optioned to Triple-A to make room for Justin Turner, who was activated from the injured list prior to Tuesday’s game . ... Rylan Bannon, whom the Dodgers claimed off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles, was optioned to Triple-A . ... Rehabbing third baseman Edwin Rios went 3 for 5 with three singles for Triple-A Oklahoma City.