Los Angeles Dodgers DVOA, Stats, & MLB Rankings

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said on Thursday that outfielder Teoscar Hernandez (groin) will likely need to go on a minor-league rehab assignment before coming off the 10-day injured list. It appears that Hernandez could embark on a rehab assignment as early as this weekend, which means that barring a setback, he could rejoin the major-league roster by the middle of next week. Fantasy managers have to be stoked about that news, as the 32-year-old veteran Dominican was near the top of the MLB leaderboards in several run-producing categories at the time of his adductor strain. In fact, he's still tied for fourth in baseball with 34 RBI and has added nine homers, a strong .315 average (41-for-130), 21 runs scored, four steals and a .933 OPS. Hernandez must be stashed in all leagues while he finishes up his rehab.

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said on Thursday that infielder/outfielder Tommy Edman (ankle) is close to coming off the 10-day injured list and will not need to go on a minor-league rehab assignment first. At the earliest, Edman could rejoin the Dodgers this weekend at Dodger Stadium for their series against the crosstown-rival Los Angeles Angels. If the 30-year-old doesn't return this weekend, he could be back next week against the division-rival Arizona Diamondbacks. L.A. could ease Edman in when he returns since he won't go on a rehab assignment, but there's no question that he's an everyday player for the Dodgers, which means rookie Hyeseong Kim will move to a bench role or back to the minors when Edman returns. Edman should be rostered in all fantasy leagues. He'll be returning to a .252/.295/.523 slash line with eight homers, 24 RBI, 19 runs and two steals.

Los Angeles Dodgers catcher/outfield prospect Dalton Rushing went 2-for-3 with a walk and three runs during his MLB debut on Thursday evening against the Athletics. Rushing hit two singles. He got the starting nod behind the dish and was in the seven-hole. This was a promising debut for the top prospect in the Dodger system. While Rushing got the start at catcher in this contest, fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status, as he could work out a role in left field, especially if Michael Conforto were to continue to struggle. At Triple-A this season, Rushing was very productive, posting a strong .308/.424/.514 slash line with five doubles and five home runs. However, given that Rushing appears to only be viewed as a catcher, his upside will be limited, serving as the clear No. 2 behind Will Smith.

Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy was seeing the baseball well Thursday night as he went 3-for-4 with four RBI, one home run, and two runs scored and helped the Dodgers win comfortably, 19-2. Muncy got the party going for the Dodgers in this contest, hitting the first home run of the evening and putting them ahead 3-1 in the first inning. Muncy has now homered in back-to-back contests, and over his last seven games, he's gone 9-for-27 with nine RBI. The third baseman has gotten off to a brutally slow start, slashing .207/.323/.341, but he has turned it around of late. During this stretch, he has been wearing prescription glasses to help improve his vision at the plate, as he was recently diagnosed with astigmatism. Regardless of the reason behind his recent hot stretch, he is starting to find a groove and would be worth a waiver wire pickup for those looking for a corner infielder.

Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder James Outman hit his second long ball of the season on Thursday night in the sixth inning off Mitch Spence to extend the Dodgers' lead to 16-2. During an evening in which the Dodgers' offense exploded and hit five home runs, Outman joined the party later in the game and finished his evening going 2-for-4 with three runs scored, one RBI, and one walk. Outman has cracked the Dodgers' lineup due to injuries to Teoscar Hernandez and Tommy Edman, and thus far through eight games has a .143/.250/.429 slash line with two home runs, five runs scored, and four RBI. Fantasy managers can lean on Outman as a fill-in for injuries or a streamer if he has a hot bat, but he would not be a recommended play for the long haul. Next up for Outman and the Dodgers is a three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels.