With the NL West title secured, the Los Angeles Dodgers can now focus on preparing for the postseason.
It’s been a long season in terms of injuries.
But through it all, the Dodgers have emerged victorious in the NL West after a dominant season.
Injuries took out key players such as Walker Buehler, Blake Treinen, Clayton Kershaw, Mookie Betts, and Tony Gonsolin.
But the Dodgers kept on competing.
Now, with the division title secured, the Dodgers are looking at getting some reinforcements on their pitching staff.
Veteran right-hander Tommy Kahnle, who has appeared in just four games this season, has been activated from the 60-Day Injured List.
Heath Hembree was designated for assignment to make room on the roster for Kahnle’s return.
The Dodgers have activated Tommy Kahnle from the 60-day IL. He's appeared in only four games this season, with his last appearance being exactly four months ago today.
Heath Hembree was DFA'd to make room on the roster.
— Blake Harris (@BlakeHarrisTBLA) September 13, 2022
Dodgers Activate Kahnle
This could be a huge piece for the Dodgers in their bullpen in the postseason.
The Dodgers have survived the regular season thanks to their depth.
But with a valuable veteran reliever back, the bullpen has just gotten a little bit stronger as the postseason looms.
The 33-year-old right-hander has posted a 6.75 ERA in his four appearances.
He hasn’t quite been himself since 2019, when he went 3-2 with a 3.67 ERA with the New York Yankees.
He missed most of the 2020 season and all of the 2021 season.
Still, having a veteran reliever added to the bullpen can’t hurt the Dodgers, who have been hit hard by injuries this year despite their dominance.
The Dodgers can only hope that Kahnle returns to his once-dominant self from several years ago during his time with the Yankees.
That would be a huge boost for them as we move closer to October.
We’ll see if Kahnle can be that guy again.
NEXT: Clayton Kershaw Had A Simple Message For His Teammates