Recovery Milestone
Dedniel Núñez has reached an important step in rehabilitating his strained right flexor tendon, an injury that kept him sidelined since late August last season. Manager Carlos Mendoza outlined a cautious approach, emphasizing that the priority is to complete another live bullpen session before advancing to game situations. The focus remains on ensuring Núñez is fully prepared rather than expediting his return.
Bullpen Performance and Readiness
Núñez’s performance in the bullpen has been a standout. Posting a 2.31 ERA, a 0.91 WHIP, and recording 48 strikeouts in 35 innings across 25 appearances earlier this season, he has demonstrated considerable reliability and potential. A recent two-inning live bullpen session has shown clear signs of progress. This encouraging development sets the stage for his upcoming debut in the Grapefruit League, an important opportunity to further evaluate his readiness for competitive play.
Outlook for Opening Day
As the season approaches, Núñez’s recovery progress brings renewed optimism regarding his availability for Opening Day. The careful, measured approach to his return underscores the importance of his long-term health, as well as the value he offers to the team’s bullpen. His successful transition in the latest session strengthens the case for integrating him into early-season action, while also ensuring that pacing his comeback remains a priority.