Dodgers reliever Corey Knebel out long-term with lat injury

Dodgers reliever Corey Knebel left Saturday night’s game against the Padres with an apparent arm injury, and he’s in for a lengthy absence. Knebel is going on the injured list with a lat issue, manager Dave Roberts told reporters, including Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register. He won’t undergo surgery but will be out for a few "months," with Roberts saying the organization hopes Knebel will be able to “pitch for us again this year,” via Plunkett.

Given that timetable, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Dodgers eventually transfer Knebel to the 60-day IL to open up a 40-man roster spot. It’s a disappointing development for the righty, who missed the entire 2019 season recovering from Tommy John surgery and spent some time on the IL last year due to a hamstring strain. Acquired from Milwaukee in the winter, Knebel has pitched six innings over eight appearances for the Dodgers this year, allowing three runs on three hits and as many walks with nine strikeouts.

Roberts also provided updates on a host of other injured players. Reliever Joe Kelly (shoulder soreness) is expected back in early or mid-May, while utilityman Zach McKinstry will need more than the 10-day minimum IL stint to recover from his recent oblique strain, via Juan Toribio of MLB.com. Right-hander Tony Gonsolin, who is recovering from shoulder inflammation, began a long toss program but is not yet ready to work off the mound, per Plunkett. But the news wasn’t all bad, as second baseman Gavin Lux is expected to return from the IL when first eligible on Monday. Lux has been sidelined by right wrist soreness.

With Knebel and Dennis Santana (side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine) going on the injured list, the Dodgers are recalling infielder Matt Beaty and lefty reliever Garrett Cleavinger, per Toribio. Cleavinger, acquired from the Phillies in a three-team deal over the winter, will be making his Dodger debut if he gets into a game.