The Dodgers have finally put a general timetable on Jonathan Broxton‘s anticipated recovery from a painful bone spur in his right elbow.
According to Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times, Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti told reporters Friday that he expects the right-hander to return to the big league bullpen in July.
Whether Colletti meant early July or late July is currently unknown, but it seems like the Dodgers are at least beginning to map out a rehab plan and that’s typically a sign of progress.
Broxton, who turns 27 on Thursday, registered an ugly 5.68 ERA and 1.90 WHIP across 14 appearances this season before landing on the disabled list during the first week of May. The Dodgers can only hope that the time off will help the former All-Star closer right the ship and again become a reliable stopper. He also struggled mightily in the second half of 2010.
From 2006-2009, Broxton had a 2.79 ERA, a 3.4 BB/9 and converted 55 saves. Since the end of the 2009 season, he has a 4.32 ERA, a 4.4 BB/9 and has converted only 29 saves in 37 chances.