*  *  *  UPDATED: Tuesday, July 4, 2017 at 3:45 pm PT  *  *  *  

After being placed on the 10-day disabled list on June 26 for what was reported as “patella tendinitis in his right knee” but undoubtedly had more to do with a sudden and unexpected return of the yips, Dodgers right-hander Brandon McCarthy threw a four-inning simulated game on Monday afternoon at LoanMart Field, home of the franchise’s Advanced Single-A Rancho Cucamonga Quakes.

With a bevy of Dodger trainers and medical staff looking on, the 6′-7″ / 235-pound McCarthy looked quite sharp. In other words, he did not uncork even one excessively high or wide pitch, nor did he throw even one wild pitch. He did, however, give up three home runs, but it was apparent that he and Quakes star catcher Will Smith were experimenting with several pitches and pitch locations.

Dodgers right-hander Brandon McCarthy showed no evidence whatsoever of an injured right knee or, more importantly, the yips in his first simulated game on Monday afternoon at LoanMart Field.
(Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)

McCarthy’s fastball was consistently in the 89-91 MPH range on the LoanMart Field radar gun and his curveball was very effective, with which he struck out several Quakes batters.

Asked how he felt after his four-inning sim game in the 95 degree Rancho Cucamonga heat, McCarthy was short and to the point.

“I felt good.”

As recently as this past Friday, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters that McCarthy was progressing well and could return to the Dodgers rotation “soon.” Based on Monday’s simulated game, the Dodger skipper appears to be accurate in his assessment.

Although pure speculation, the logical next step for McCarthy would be to pitch one or two rehab games, most likely also with the Quakes. If all goes well, a return to the Dodgers rotation could come shortly after the All-Star break.

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  *  *  *  UPDATED: Tuesday, July 4, 2017 at 3:45 pm PT  *  *  *  

During his pregame media scrum on Tuesday afternoon, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that Brandon McCarthy will start for the Dodgers on Saturday, July 8, 2018 against the Kansas City Royals at Dodger Stadium. Game time is 4:15 pm PT.