Brandon League has thrown only 1 1/3 innings this spring as he deals with a shoulder issue. (AP)
GLENDALE. Ariz. — Dodgers reliever Brandon League threw a bullpen session on Tuesday, and the Dodgers won’t issue an update on the health of the right-hander’s right shoulder until Wednesday.
League has been dealing with shoulder inflammation similar to that of Hyun-Jin Ryu, both having had cortisone injections. Ryu’s discomfort continued and he was sent for an MRI, and he has been shut down for another two weeks and will open the season on the disabled list.
League has had two bullpen sessions since the injection, but hasn’t pitched in a game since March 9, and he has thrown only 1 1/3 innings and is quickly running out of time to be ready by Opening Day.
Unlike the absence of No. 3 starter Ryu, League’s absence can be more easily mitigated by the glut of relievers pitching well in camp after management spent the winter hoarding them.
League hasn’t had a shoulder injury since 2007. This one is believed to be the result of overwork during a March 11 bullpen session after a shaky outing March 9, which lasted only one-third of an inning.
The ground-ball specialist turned in an off-the-radar solid season in 2014, with a 2.57 ERA in 63 appearances.
Ken Gurnick is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.