Zack Greinke Will Make Rehab Start Friday for Rancho Cucamonga

The Dodgers announced Thursday that Zack Greinke is scheduled to make his first rehab start for the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes on Friday night. Greinke had surgery on his fractured left collarbone on April 13th, less than a month ago. He was originally projected to return in eight weeks post surgery, but the right-hander is ahead of schedule and the Dodgers are in desperate need of Greinke in the rotation.

Apr 11, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Zack Greinke (21) is checked out by trainer Sue Falsone as first base coach Davey Lopes (center) looks on after a bench clearing brawl resulted following San Diego Padres left fielder Carlos Quentin (not pictured) being hit by a pitch during the sixth inning at PETCO Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Greinke has made three bullpen sessions since his surgery, the last one being on Tuesday. He said that his arm strength is “pretty good.” Zack has only pitched in 11 1/3 innings this season before being involved in the injurious fight with San Diego last month. He is 1-0 with a 1.59 ERA with 10 strikeouts and only one walk.

The Dodgers have had to use quite a few pitchers since Greinke was injured including Stephen Fife, Chris Capuano, and Matt Magill.

Even though the Dodgers greatly need Greinke’s arm, there’s some concern to whether they are rushing him back too soon. The injured Dodgers have been seemingly healing at a miraculous pace and returning hastily. Unfortunately a quick return from the disabled list is not always the best choice. Last season Matt Kemp‘s speedy return landed him back on the DL after he reinjured his hamstring, and Hanley Ramirez suffered a hamstring injury after returning early from a torn thumb ligament this season.

Greinke will be making his start with the Quakes at Lake Elsinore at 7:05 p.m. on Friday.