The top two teams in the National League from last year are already experiencing a number of injury woes in spring training. A couple of top players on the Los Angeles Dodgers and Washington Nationals may not be ready for Opening Day.
Dodgers' starting pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu left spring training on Sunday and was sent back to Los Angeles to undergo a medical evaluation after the left-hander was experiencing soreness in his throwing shoulder during a throwing session earlier in the day. According to Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times, manager Don Mattingly said Ryu will not be ready for Opening Day.
The 27-year-old was already behind schedule during spring training after he got off to a late start because of a back issue. However, he managed to make two starts thus far and has a 3.60 ERA, 0.80 WHIP and four strikeouts in five innings of work, including two scoreless against the San Diego Padres. It's unknown how the team will handle Ryu's latest setback, but more information will be available once he undergoes the medical exam.
Los Angeles' starting rotation has had a troubling start this spring, with Zack Greinke getting an injection in his elbow early on (although he appears to be fine) and Clayton Kershaw taking a line drive off the face last week (he's scheduled to make his next start).
In Washington, the Nationals have a slew of injury issues. Jayson Werth, Denard Span, Stephen Strasburg, Yunel Escobar and others have experienced setbacks of varying degrees. Another name is All-Star third baseman Anthony Rendon, who sprained his MCL on March 9. The 24-year-old is still experiencing discomfort in the area when he tries to hit and it's now possible he starts the 2015 season on the disabled list, according to James Wagner of the Washington Post.
Manager Matt Williams stressed Rendon's sprain "very mild" and although it wasn't serious, the team was still going to be cautious with how they handled his rehab. The third baseman suffered the injury on a diving play in the field and it was originally believed to be a bruise to his left knee. However, the swelling and pain persisted for a few days after and he was reexamined and diagnosed with an MCL sprain.
The Nationals are currently the favorite to win the NL East, but they could get off to a slow start if they don't get healthy in a timely manner.
UPDATE: Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times writes Ryu will be back in camp tomorrow.
UPDATE: An MRI on Ryu's shoulder showed no structural damage, but the Dodgers will shut him down for at least two weeks, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.
