Dodgers News: Bolsinger Closer To Coming Back

Right-hander Mike Bolsinger had the fifth starter job pretty much sewn up before a strained oblique injury right before camp broke cost him that opportunity. Instead, it went to Ross Stripling, and Stripling has been fantastic in that role so far. Still, the Los Angeles Dodgers would love to get Bolsinger back simply because it’d ease the burden on some of their other pitchers.

Well, it looks like Bolsinger might be coming back sometime soon. That is, of course, if he keeps progressing the way that he happens to be progressing at this very moment in time. The right-hander has begun throwing bullpen sessions now in the hopes that he’ll be returning soon, and it’s something the Dodgers have to be thrilled about since he could be a valuable member of the rotation.

From Andy McCullough, contact reporter at the Los Angeles Times:

Mike Bolsinger has begun throwing bullpen sessions at the Dodgers complex at Camelback Ranch, Manager Dave Roberts said. Bolsinger, who is recovering from a strained oblique, has already completed two sessions without incident. His fastball velocity was clocked at 87 to 88 mph. “He’s coming,” Roberts said.

For those wondering, that 87 to 88 miles per hour on Bolsinger’s fastball is pretty much the velocity that he throws it at. If Bolsinger is to come back sometime soon, the Dodgers will send him for a rehab assignment in the minors so that he can work out the kinks and get back into pitching shape. However, they can’t rush him back just because they could use him.

Even though Stripling has pitched well this season, there is still going to be an innings and pitch limit on a guy who has never thrown more than 128 innings in a single season. They’ll take care of him, and Bolsinger’s return might be one way to do that. There are options, and there is help on the way. This is fantastic news about Bolsinger, and we hope he can get back out there soon.