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Dodgers’ Julio Urías and Daniel Hudson set target for return

June 18, 2023

LOS ANGELES ― The light at the end of the tunnel for the Dodgers’ beleaguered pitching staff is getting closer, and now they can circle it on the calendar. Julio Urías and Daniel Hudson are set to rejoin the team during its three-game series in Kansas City from June 30 to July 2, manager Dave Roberts said Sunday.

Urías, 5-4 with a 4.39 ERA, has been on the injured list since May 20 with a left hamstring strain. The Dodgers have struggled during his absence, posting a 5.60 ERA ― 29th in MLB ― entering Sunday’s game against the San Francisco Giants.

Roberts said Urías will throw live batting practice Tuesday at Dodger Stadium, then make a minor league rehab start before rejoining the active roster.

Hudson hasn’t appeared in a major league game since March 2022 while recovering from surgery on his left knee. Before undergoing the season-ending procedure on his anterior cruciate ligament, Hudson was among the Dodgers’ most reliable relief pitchers.

The 36-year-old right-hander recently began a minor league rehabilitation assignment. He has made five scoreless appearances for the Dodgers’ Arizona Complex League team, and is expected to transfer his rehab to Triple-A Oklahoma City no sooner than Tuesday.

SYNDERGAARD UPDATE

Noah Syndergaard resumed throwing from flat ground Sunday. The right-hander went on the 15-day injured list with a finger blister June 8. There is no timetable for his return.

In 12 starts prior to the injury, Syndergaard was 1-4 with a 7.16 ERA. The Dodgers’ bullpen has struggled arguably as much as its rotation in recent weeks. Their 5.11 ERA (through Saturday) is 29th in MLB.

Last year, Syndergaard made three relief appearances for the Philadelphia Phillies between September and October, but the Dodgers have no intention at the moment of bringing him back as a relief pitcher.

“I don’t see that happening,” Roberts said. “I know last year in Philadelphia he pitched in the ’pen a little bit. For us, get him back, ramp him up, and see where we’re at as far as a starter.”

The Dodgers signed Syndergaard to a one-year, $13 million contract in December.

ALSO

Clayton Kershaw is scheduled to start for the Dodgers on Tuesday in Anaheim, where he will be opposed by the Angels’ Reid Detmers. … Roberts does not know who will start Wednesday, with the possibility of a bullpen game likely since the Dodgers have off-days Monday and Thursday. Shohei Ohtani will start for the Angels. … Infielder/outfielder Chris Taylor (knee) was unavailable Sunday as he recovers from a cortisone shot. He will be re-evaluated Tuesday.