Padres left-hander Ryan Weathers was activated off the 10-day injured list earlier Saturday, and he marked the occasion with four shutout innings and his first career home run in San Diego’s 3-2 loss to the Marlins. Weathers had to be helped off the field after suffering what looked like an ugly leg injury on July 11, although he ended up fracturing only a small bone in his right ankle. He looked none the worse for wear on Saturday, which is a nice boost to a Padres team that has battled through multiple pitching injuries and might yet look to add more arms by the trade deadline.
More injury updates from around the NL West…
- Cody Bellinger is day-to-day after leaving Friday’s game due to hamstring tightness, although Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told The Los Angeles Times’ Jeff Miller and other reporters that Bellinger was on the field working out before Saturday’s game. When he does return, Bellinger might be utilized at first base in order to reduce his running, Roberts said.
- Roberts also had more updates on other injured Dodgers stars, including Mookie Betts’ continuing right hip problems. Betts received a cortisone shot, and the plan is for the outfielder to play on Tuesday when the Dodgers begin a series with the Giants. Betts hasn’t played since Monday and hasn’t started a game since July 17. Clayton Kershaw (placed on the 10-day IL with forearm inflammation on July 7) threw a bullpen session Saturday and is slated for a simulated game on Tuesday.
- Brandon Belt may be close to a rehab assignment, as the Giants first baseman ran the bases Saturday as he continues to work his way back from knee inflammation. Belt told reporters (including John Shea of The San Francisco Chronicle) that he feels “way better than I thought I was going to feel at this point,” considering that there was some consideration of knee surgery when he initially hurt his knee almost exactly one month ago. Belt intends to wear a protective sleeve over his knee when he returns to the field.
- In other positive injury recovery news for the Giants, Brandon Crawford began baseball activity Saturday. Crawford was placed on the 10-day IL with what was considered to be a minor left oblique strain on Monday, and it looks like Crawford will indeed only be out of action for a minimal amount of time.
- Diamondbacks catcher Carson Kelly will began a rehab assignment on Thursday and will move to High-A Hillsboro on Aug. 1, MLB.com’s Steve Gilbert tweets. A fractured wrist sent Kelly to the injured list on June 20, interrupting an outstanding season for the 27-year-old backstop. Kelly has hit .260/.385/.460 with eight home runs over 187 plate appearances.
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