The Los Angeles Dodgers have been bit by the injury bug this month as Gavin Lux underwent surgery to repair a torn ACL and LCL in his right knee, and Tony Gonsolin sprained his left ankle while walking off the field during a workout.
Lux is expected to miss the entire 2023 season while recovering from the operation, and Gonsolin will not be included on the Dodgers Opening Day as he only recently has resumed throwing from flat ground.
Noah Syndergaard is also dealing with blister trouble but it does not appear to be too much of a concern.
The Dodgers pitching staff nevertheless will be down two additional contributors as manager Dave Roberts revealed Daniel Hudson and Jimmy Nelson will begin the 2023 season on the injured list, per Jack Harris of the L.A. Times:
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts officially confirmed on Thursday that relievers Daniel Hudson and Jimmy Nelson will begin the season on the injured list.
Hudson underwent season-ending surgery last June for a torn ACL in his left knee and more recently has been dealing with right ankle tendinitis that came about during the rehab process. However, the biggest trouble Hudson is having is lingering discomfort in his knee after pitching, eliminating the possibility of appearing back-to-back days for now.
As for Nelson, he is coming off a disastrous Cactus League appearance against the Oakland Athletics in which he threw 12 consecutive balls and did not retire any of the four batters faced.
The Dodgers re-signed Nelson to a one-year contract during the offseason after missing all of 2022 while recovering from Tommy John surgery. He last pitched in an MLB game in 2021 and was sidelined the previous year after undergoing season-ending back surgery.
James Outman named to Dodgers Opening Day roster
As the Dodgers Opening Day roster takes shape, manager Dave Roberts revealed James Outman will break camp with the team. The 25-year-old was competing with Steven Duggar, Luke Williams and Bradley Zimmer for the final position player spot.
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