LOS ANGELES >> Right-hander Dustin May will return to the Dodgers’ rotation and start on eight days’ rest Wednesday against the Colorado Rockies.
The Dodgers skipped May’s turn in the rotation this weekend, going with Clayton Kershaw on regular rest (four days off) Sunday instead.
By inserting May into the Rockies series, the Dodgers have lined up Walker Buehler, Kershaw and Trevor Bauer to start the three-game series against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park next weekend with Buehler and Kershaw each getting extra rest before their starts.
That they lined that trio up for their first series against the Padres does not seem like a coincidence.
“I think that you can read into it any way you want,” Roberts said Sunday. “But I think that making sure guys are rested and feeling good going into a particular series is the ultimate goal.”
The Dodgers have made it clear they will manage their pitching staff carefully this year with the increased workload that comes with this year’s return to a 162-game regular season.
“There’s going to be pitching gymnastics all year for our club, No. 1, because we have a lot of talent,” Roberts said. “No. 2, we want to make sure that we manage the usage and keep these guys all raring and clicking on all cylinders through October.”
But the Dodgers have also heard all winter how the Padres were coming for them in the National League West. Until the Dodgers signed Trevor Bauer, the Padres were unconditional winners of the winter after their moves to add Blake Snell, Yu Darvish and Joe Musgrove to their rotation.
During the spring, Justin Turner likened the regular-season matchups with the Padres this season to “19 World Series games.” But Roberts wouldn’t say the games against the Padres carry any extra weight.
“It’s a division rival. I think any division opponent you want to play well,” Roberts said. “Certainly this is a team that’s very talented so I hesitate to say any more emphasis (is placed on the series in San Diego). But obviously you look at the talent, the build up — we’ll be ready for that series.”
The Dodgers and Padres will meet again a week later in a four-game series at Dodger Stadium April 22-25.
BETTS’ BACK
Mookie Betts missed his fourth consecutive game Sunday with lower back stiffness. With off days Thursday and Monday, Betts will have had six days off before Tuesday’s home game against the Colorado Rockies. Roberts remains hopeful that Betts will be ready to play in that series but he was hesitant to make any declarations about Betts’ recovery.
“With the off day (Monday), he’ll get treated and then we’ll see where we’re at Tuesday,” Roberts said, adding that the training staff has encouraged Betts to “keep active” by swinging a bat, running and playing catch.
“I think where we’re at on the calendar, we’re just making sure he’s as close to 100 percent as possible before taking the field.”
Roberts said Betts’ injury did not require an injection of cortisone or painkiller as part of the treatment.
RIGHT-HANDERS RECOVERING
Right-hander Brusdar Graterol threw a 15-pitch simulated-game session before Saturday’s game. He returned to the alternate training site at Camelback Ranch but could be ready to rejoin the Dodgers in the next week.
Roberts said the last box Graterol has to check is pitching to hitters on two out of three days and bouncing back. He should do that this week at the alternate training site.
“Once he does that, he’ll be back with us,” Roberts said.
Meanwhile, right-hander Tony Gonsolin is still experiencing some soreness in his shoulder and has not been cleared to start his throwing program. Gonsolin is on the Injured List with a inflammation in his right shoulder.
“He’s a ways away for me right now where he’s at,” Roberts said.
UP NEXT
The Dodgers are off Monday.
Rockies RHP Antonio Senzatela (1-1, 5.56 ERA) at Dodgers RHP Trevor Bauer (1-0, 4.15 ERA), 7:10 p.m., Tuesday, SportsNet LA, AM 570
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