Tom Koehler sounded apologetic. Nearly a month had passed since Koehler, a pitcher the Dodgers signed this winter in hopes of replacing set-up reliever Brandon Morrow, suffered a shoulder strain. The expected date of his return remained a mystery to the public. This was by design.
As the Dodgers prepare to open the 2018 season on Thursday against San Francisco, aiming to defend their National League pennant and capture the championship which has eluded this franchise since 1988, so much about this club feels assured.
And over the course of the 162-game season, the Dodgers will sound quite vague about injuries.