Alex Verdugo unlikely to be ready for NLDS

The Los Angeles Dodgers have already clinched an NLDS berth by winning their division, but they will probably be without Alex Verdugo for that series.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said on Friday that Verdugo will join the team in LA next week but has not resumed workouts. Roberts also added that the 23-year-old outfielder is “very unlikely” to be ready for the NLDS but that “we expect to be playing throughout October,” per Bill Plunkett of the OC Register.

Verdugo, who is hitting .294 with 12 home runs and 44 RBIs this season, is on the injured list with back and oblique issues. He last played on Aug. 4 and suffered a setback in his rehab earlier this month.

The Dodgers have missed Verdugo and his highlight reel plays, but it looks like they will have to reach at least the NLCS for him to play again this year.