The Dodgers placed left-hander on the 15-day injured list with a broken hand yesterday a surprising move given that there was no prior indication of an injury i sue thatd been plaguing the southpaw. As it turns out, Bandas injury was self-inflicted. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed to the Dodgers beat last night that the lefty sustained a hairline fracture after he hit a solid object out of frustration following a rough outing wherein he yielded a pair of runs on three hits in one inning of work during a lo s to the Cubs ( via Dodgers Nations Doug McKain). Banda is hardly the first player to injure himself in such a manner, but that surely doesnt make the scenario any le s frustrating for the Dodgers and their fans. Thats particularly Jorge Polanco Jersey true given that while the 31-year-old Banda is a journeyman who joined the Dodgers in a minor league trade with the Guardians (in exchange for cash), hes become an important piece of the teams relief corps. In 47 1/3 innings this year, the former top prospect has notched a career-low 3.23 earned run average with a 24.8% strikeout rate (another career-best mark) against an 8.9% walk rate thats right in line with the 9% league average among relievers. Banda initially worked in low-leverage situations after being selected to the 40-man roster in L.A., but hes earned more trust from Roberts as the season has worn on. Hes picked up nine holds and a pair of saves, nearly all of which have come in the seasons second half. has emerged as the Dodgers highest-leverage arm since being acquired at the trade deadline, but Banda ranks second on the team in holds since the All-Star break. The Dodgers can still control Banda via arbitration for another three seasons if they choose, so the injury doesnt nece sarily spell the end of his time with the team. It may not even spell the end of his season. Roberts said that for now, the plan is for several days without throwing, but the skipper did not rule out the po sibility that Banda could be built back up in time to rejoin the team at some point. Obviously, if the Dodgers go on a deep postseason run, Bandas chances of contributing again this season will only increase. There are also questions about another bullpen options ability to contribute this year, though theyve been well documented and dont come as a huge surprise. Right-hander underwent Tommy John surgery late last August, which always made him a long shot to contribute this season. The Dodgers still havent firmly closed the door on the po sibility of Gonsolin returning, but it increasingly looks like a long shot. Roberts, who left the door open for a potential bullpen role for Gonsolin when asked about the po sibility last month, told reporters yesterday that its unlikely Gonsolin will contribute this season ( ). General manager Brandon Gomes wouldnt make a firm declaration, saying Gonsolins 2024 status is TBD while simultaneously acknowledging that the primary focus at this point is building a foundation for next season ( via Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register). That certainly doesnt sound like a portent for a 2024 return, but Gomes didnt expre sly rule out the po sibility, suggesting that if things line up they could have a conversation about Gonsolin returning. While things are up in the air regarding Gonsolins status, it seems the Dodgers are increasingly optimistic that top starter will return in time for the playoffs. Currently on the injured list with tendinitis in his right elbow, Glasnow threw his full complement of pitches yesterday in his second bullpen se sion in a weeks time, . Hell throw a simulated game on Friday and move to a rehab a signment if that goes well. Via Harris, Roberts said that he liked what he saw in Glasnows bullpen se sion and called it a priority to get him back into a big league game before the regular season draws to a close. If the Dodgers are able to get Glasnow back, they could theoretically head into the playoffs with a rotation including Glasnow, and , who looked excellent in his own return from the injured list this week. Tom Paciorek Jersey