The Dodgers have won seven consecutive games and 11 of their last 12, with a combination of strong pitching and an offense that is finally performing to expectations. Yet, to the likely dismay of the other National League teams, they are expected to soon enhance the active roster with the return of several key players.

On Sunday, May 23, Cody Bellinger and Zach McKinstry played their second rehab games for the Triple-A Oklahoma City Dodgers, with Bellinger hitting a home run and McKinstry a double. In the same game, rehabbing right-hander Tony Gonsolin pitched three dominant innings, allowing one hit, and striking out three. Imagine adding three players of this caliber to the current roster. It would be as though the team made a blockbuster trade without giving anything up.

And even more help is on the way. Flame-throwing right-hander Brusdar Graterol threw a 20-pitch bullpen on Tuesday, May 18, a 30-pitch session three days later, and is scheduled to throw again on the 25th. If all goes well, he will likely go on a short minor league rehab assignment, then be ready to strengthen the backend of the Dodgers bullpen.

During his pregame Zoom media scrum on Sunday, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that outfielder AJ Pollock could return as early as next week, although this seems a bit optimistic for a strained left hamstring, and Corey Seager will likely return sometime around the All-Star break as he recovers from a fractured right hand.

With pitchers Edwin Uceta, Alex Vesia, and Dennis Santana‘s underwhelming performances of late, roster space may be made for veteran right-hander Kevin Quackenbush, who has not allowed a run in 5.1 innings at OKC. A left-handed option for the Dodgers is Darien Núñez, who has allowed only one run in 10.2 innings while striking out 16 and walking only four.

If additional offense is needed, the Dodgers can (again) call upon their top prospect, catcher Keibert Ruiz, who is currently slashing .308/.341/.615/.957.

All is good in Dodger land.

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