Dodgers Injury News: Reliever Tony Cingrani Getting Healthy
When we last heard from Dodgers’ reliever Tony Cingrani, he was shut down with left shoulder issues. This injury took place in mid-March when our minds were still on spring training and the team was reporting to a different venue.
Now, some more positive updates are coming out about the southpaw bullpen member. Bill Shaikin and Ken Gurnick brought us the good news on twitter on Friday afternoon.
LHP Tony Cingrani expected to start a minor league rehab assignment within the next week, Roberts said.
— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) April 26, 2019
Tony Cingrani threw today, best he’s felt. Minor League rehab could start next week.
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) April 26, 2019
Reportedly, Cingrani felt great and a possibility of a rehab assignment as early as next week exists. Given there are no setbacks – Cingrani should be working his way back soon. Equally important, Los Angeles has no need to rush him back into any defined big league role. Therefore, Cingrani can carefully work his way back from a barking shoulder that was bothering him all the way back in 2018.
At the current time, the Dodgers employ three left-handed relievers in the bullpen. Julio Urias, Scott Alexander, and Caleb Ferguson are the regular stable hands brought in to get lefties (and some righties) out.
Of that group, Cingrani boasts the most big league experience in terms of innings pitched. Cingrani had a 4.76 ERA in 22.2 innings last season, following up a 2.79 ERA in 2017 after he was traded from Cincinnati. It’s entirely possible the drop off in performance was due to battling physical issues.
Analysis
While Cingrani will need to perform to carve out a role in the Dodger bullpen, he has the stuff to do it when healthy. Furthermore, these things sort themselves out. A team can never have too many solid left-handed relievers. Inevitably, someone will hit the injured list or fail to get people out consistently. Because of this, it’s fair to expect we see Cingrani again this season at Dodger Stadium.
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I am curious as Hill and Cingrani come off the DL who gets dropped from the 25 man roster? Is it Yimi Garcia? He does not have any options left…Do they move Ferguson back to the minors as Urias and Stripling will be their long arms?
Does one or two guys all of a sudden have injuries that can put them on the disabled for 20 days and see what transpires?
Interesting to see what the decide,
I bet you the Dodgers send Ferguson to the minors(since he has options) even though I think Ferguson has been fairly effective. They will try to keep Garcia even thoughhe has Not been effective. One of the other NL-West clubs will take a chance on Garcia and take him from the Dodgers.
Robin I agree but when or if Cingrani comes off the DL I think they will need to drop another guy. I think Ferguson first but then? As you said Garcia has lot of upside he is just not pitching well right now. I would honestly entertain the idea of putting Kelly or one of the other guys struggling on the 10-20 day IL to see what shakes out.
It’s going to be a challenge unless they decide to DFA Garcia.
It will be sorted out and another sure thing is that Gale will be gone soon, as Martin is almost back here. IMHO this team should not and cannot afford to carry a defense only position player up here, because with having 8 relievers we are already a position player short anyway.