Following a three-game series at Dodger Stadium last weekend, the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres are scheduled to go head-to-head once again four days later at Petco Park.
It is the final meeting of the regular season between the two teams and represents their last chance to greatly affect their respective position in the National League West standings.
It appears likely that the Dodgers will be receiving some help for the bullpen at some point during the series, as Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates are poised to return following their rehab assignments with the Triple-A Oklahoma City Comets.
According to Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts indicated Yates and Scott could be activated at some point this weekend:
“Kirby and Tanner were both good,” Roberts said. “Not sure if they’re going to do another one. Probably not. So then it’s kind of trying to figure out when they would join us.”
The Dodgers pitching staff played a prominent role in their sweep of the Padres last weekend, including a bullpen that has otherwise had its struggles lately. Dodgers relievers combined to allow three earned runs over 10 innings pitched and recorded two saves.
Both Scott and Yates have not been nearly as productive as they were last season, but they are still valuable veteran relievers that the Dodgers are eager to get back on their roster.
Scott has not pitched for the Dodgers since July 21, while Yates last appeared on July 26.
Both pitchers worked a scoreless inning for the Comets in their only appearance while on a rehab assignment.
Michael Kopech is another bullpen arm working his way back to the Dodgers. His rehab assignment with the Comets began on Aug. 14. Kopech has been on the injured list since July 1 and underwent knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee.
He is an option to return before the end of August if things go well, but Dodgers may wait until rosters expand in September.
Tanner Scott, Kirby Yates rehab assignments
Yates took over in the sixth inning on Tuesday night and did not allow a hit while striking out one and walking a batter. He threw 21 pitches, 13 of which were strikes.
Scott followed Yates by entering in the seventh inning, where he struck out two in a scoreless frame. He also did not allow a hit, but did walk a batter. The left-hander threw 16 pitches, 10 of which were strikes.
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