Dodgers Reinforcements Return as Bregman, Cease Deal With Injuries

Shohei Ohtani, Andy Pages and Roki Sasaki are coming back for Los Angeles, while Alex Bregman and Dylan Cease face uncertain outlooks.

The Dodgers are getting healthier just in time for October. Manager Dave Roberts said Shohei Ohtani, sidelined two weeks by knee and biceps issues, is expected to come off the injured list Wednesday and play the rest of the regular season to shake off rust at the plate. Outfielder Andy Pages was activated Monday after missing about a month with a broken left hand, a return that likely pushes rookie Josue De Paula into a reserve role.

Right-hander Roki Sasaki was also activated Monday following a blister issue and will pitch one inning at a time out of the bullpen as he tries to earn a postseason relief spot. Blake Snell, who exited a start against the Cincinnati Reds with left groin tightness, is expected to make one more start over the weekend rather than when his turn comes Tuesday.

Elsewhere, Chicago Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman suffered multiple facial fractures when he was hit by a foul ball while standing in the on-deck circle Sunday against the Reds. The club hopes he can return at some point during the playoffs.

Toronto's Dylan Cease has likely made his final start of the year after an MRI showed inflammation in his right shoulder but no structural damage. With the Blue Jays 3.5 games back of a Wild Card spot, he is not expected to push for another outing; he finishes with a 2.40 ERA and 239 strikeouts over 169 innings.

Other injury notes: Seattle reliever Andres Munoz awaits MRI results on his right knee, Giants first baseman Bryce Eldridge landed on the 7-day concussion list after hitting his head on a low ceiling at the team hotel, and Tigers infielder Colt Keith's season ended with a left thumb sprain.