LOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers’ bullpen might not be able to count on a late-season boost from Chris Withrow, one of the most promising relievers to come out of the team’s minor league system in the last few years. Withrow’s rehabilitation from Tommy John surgery to his right elbow is on hold because of December back surgery, muddying his return date further, Withrow said Saturday at FanFest. “Do I think I’ll pitch this year? Yeah, there’s a possibility,” Withrow said. “When that is, I don’t know. It’s going to be on my body to tell me when I’m ready.” Withrow, 25, had hoped to return some time in August. He broke into the major leagues in 2013 and has pitched to a 2.73 ERA and 1.089 WHIP in 46 major league games. He’s just the kind of homegrown hard thrower who could give the Dodgers an option for the seventh and eighth innings as a bridge from their strong starting rotation to closer Kenley Jansen. The Dodgers’ bullpen ranked 22nd in the majors last year with a 3.80 ERA. “One day I’ll feel great, and the next day I won’t feel very good,” Withrow said. “It’s been like that ever since the surgery.”
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