Los Angeles Dodgers Injury Updates: Scott Kazmir on the Comeback Trail

The injury bug bites all teams from time-to-time, but the Los Angeles Dodgers seem to always be the main course.

Fresh off their record-breaking season in 2016 for most players on the disabled list, the 2017 edition of the Dodgers is on pace to shatter that record.

In 2016, Dodger players were sent to the disabled list a record 33 times, including an MLB-best 29 different players.

As of today's date, the Dodgers have sent 23 different players to the DL in 2017, missing a combined 868 days of action.

The most recent victim of the revolving door that is the Dodgers' disabled list is Brandon McCarthy who was placed on the 10-day DL with right knee tendinitis.

Also, in case you missed it, Julio Urias, underwent left shoulder surgery and is expected to miss the next 12-14 months.

Here's the updates:

Scott Kazmir (Left hip strain): Kazmir is coming back. The veteran left-hander has made two rehab starts with Class-A Rancho Cucamonga, allowing one run in three innings of each start. His velocity is in the high 80s to low 90s, where it was last season, and he told NBC LA exclusively on Wednesday, that he feels close to returning. It's possible Kazmir could get a start after the All-Star break.

Brandon McCarthy (right knee tendinitis): McCarthy has been dealing with right knee tendinitis all season, but after a wild and erratic start last Sunday against the Colorado Rockies that saw the tall right-hander allow five runs in just three innings, the Dodgers decided it was the perfect time for McCarthy to get some rest and relaxation. He is expected to be activated on either Wednesday or Thursday to start against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Andre Ethier (Lumbar disk herniation): As expected, Ethier was moved to the 60-day disabled list on May 9, 2017 and earlier this week, Roberts announced that Ethier will not be activated until Sept. 1^st, when the rosters expand.

Franklin Gutierrez (Ankylosis spondylitis):The Dodgers' right-handed power hitter off the bench and lefty specialist has been dealing with the auto-immune disease for years and struggles to get his back and body loose before games. The Dodgers placed him on the 10-day disabled list on June 25th, but it's doubtful he returns until after the All-Star break.

Adrian Gonzalez (Back): Gonzalez made his first trip to the DL in his career earlier this year, but when the two herniated discs in his back flared up during an at-bat a couple weeks ago, the veteran first baseman decided to shut it down. He received an epidural in his back last Monday, and has not started doing any baseball activities. Dodgers' manager Dave Roberts said on Saturday, that it's possible Gonzalez won't return until early August.  

Chris Hatcher (Thoracic inflammation): After an up-and-down start to the season, Hatcher was finally placed on the disabled list with thoracic inflammation in his right throwing arm. The injury does not appear serious, and Hatcher should be eligible to return this coming, but the Dodgers might delay that time table and wait until after the All-Star break.

Yimi Garcia (Right elbow surgery): Garcia was placed on the 60-day disabled list on February 15^th after undergoing Tommy John surgery. He is expected to miss all of the 2017 season, but be back in time for Spring Training of 2018.

Julio Urias: The 20-year-old pitching phenom underwent shoulder surgery last Tuesday to have his anterior capsule repaired by Dr. Neal ElAttrache. The injury was an acute injury, and is expected to sideline Urias for the next 12-14 months. It's possible that Urias misses the 2017 and 2018 seasons.

Adam Liberatore: (Left forearm tightness): Liberatore was placed on the disabled list at the end of May and could miss significant time. He was examined by doctors at the beginning of June, and this is his second stint on the DL this season. His return is unknown.

Andrew Toles (Torn right ACL): Toles underwent surgery this week to repair the torn ACL in his right knee after he collided with the short porch in left field trying to preserve a no-hitter for Julio Urias. Toles will miss the remainder of the 2017 season, but is expected to make a full recovery for 2018.

Rob Segedin: (Right toe and right wrist): Segedin was originally placed on the 10-day DL on April 19^th with a right toe injury. After over a month of rest and recovery, problems arose in Segedin's right wrist, and the right-hander will undergo surgery this coming Wednesday to remove bone spurs from the wrist area. He is expected to miss the next four to six weeks, and could also be a candidate for the 60-day disabled list, retroactive to April 19^th.

Dodgers Injury Updates are provided each and every week, usually on Friday or Sunday throughout the season.