Some Dodgers are already banged up, so let's take a look at just how bad.
Casey Blake
Even though he's not buying into it quite yet, Don Mattingly fully expects him to start the season on the DL. The specific injury is being called an inflamed thoracic spine, which just sounds painful. Despite taking injections, all he's been able to do is swing off a tee, and even that is still painful once his swing in complete. Considering he's 37 and coming off a down season, this is definitely not the way he wanted to start off the season. Look for Juan Uribe to slide over to third and Jamey Carroll to take over at second for the time being.
Vicente Padilla
A 30-pitch bullpen session last Friday resulted in being shut down the next day, but he's been able to bounce back with 10 pitches today. Afterward, he reportedly felt good. If he stays that way, then it's a positive sign that he really is progressing at a quick pace. Unfortunately for Padilla, we've all seen him collect one injury after another, so it may be hard to believe that he'll be back sooner rather than later. In order for him to be at his best, there's no need to rush him whatsoever.
Jon Garland
He's still nursing a strained oblique, but was recently able to throw 70 feet without any discomfort. As for when he'll be back in the fold, the Dodgers won't need a fifth starter until April 12 in San Francisco. It's being pretty optimistic be expect him back then, but he did get hurt on March 9, so that will be a full month of recovery. Like Padilla, though, I wouldn't count on that quick of a recovery.
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