For Dodger fans, the names are not exactly household familiar. They make up the medical team for the Dodgers and their work will pay off on the field.
If the Dodgers reach the promised land this year, it will have a lot to do with the success of this group, who are tasked with mending the team experts are picking to win the NL West again and go deep into the playoffs.
Here's a few of the cases the Dodger medical team is working on:
- Clayton Kershaw has a back muscle problem. We hope to see him on the mound in May.
- Matt Kemp is due back in the lineup soon after off-season shoulder and ankle surgeries.
- Hanley Ramirez missed much of last year with injuries suffered in the World Baseball Classic and his broken ribs sank the Dodgers in the playoffs.
- Brian Wilson, who got knocked around in relief against the Padres, has an elbow injury and is on the DL.
- Josh Beckett and Chad Billingsley are trying to come back from arm injuries.
Now for some good news. Five games (4-1) into the season and the Dodger pitching has been lights out. Hyun-Jin Ryu has pitched well enough to be 2-0, Zack Greinke shut down the Padres and Dan Haren delivered a strong six innings as LA took two of three from San Diego.
Haren was hit hard by the Angels in an exhibition game but looked strong in winning his LA opener. The Dodgers take on the Giants this weekend in the opening series at Chavez Ravine. Ryu, former Pittsburgh and Atlanta southpaw Paul Maholm and Grienke will pitch against the Giants.
Offensively, the early hitters have been Dee Gordon, Juan Uribe and Carl Crawford, all hitting above .300. Ramirez, Adrian Gonzalez, Andre Ethier and Yasiel Puig have yet to warm up. If Kemp is truly ready this weekend the firepower factor increases. Gordon is making an early case to be the starter at second base. When Gordon is hitting and on the basepaths he adds another dimension to the LA offense.
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