McCarthy will participate in a bullpen session Friday, Eric Stephen of True Blue LA reports.

EDGE Analysis

Limited to only 13 starts in the last two seasons, the injury-prone right-hander has been throwing for much of the offseason at his normal velocity. He's included in the large group of arms competing for a rotation spot, and if the 33-year-old can win a starting job, he's worth a late-round flier in deep fantasy formats.

McCarthy has been throwing off a mound with full velocity this offseason, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

This is an encouraging sign for McCarthy with pitchers and catchers just weeks from reporting to spring training. Injuries have plagued McCarthy since arriving in Los Angeles as he's combined for 13 total starts in the last two years. Gurnick also notes that McCarthy's command has improved, which is significant after the veteran notched a 5.85 BB/9 last season. McCarthy appears to be a full go heading into the spring.

McCarthy is not scheduled to make another start this season.

EDGE Analysis

Instead of going with the veteran option to be their number four starter, the Dodgers decided to deploy Julio Urias for Thursday's matchup with the Padres. It's unclear if this completely writes McCarthy off of the rotation for the remainder of 2016 or if the Dodgers brass just wants to see Urias start one last time before the season's conclusion, but this news is not promising for the right-hander.

McCarthy took a no-decision after allowing two runs on four hits and one walk with six strikeouts in 5.1 innings during Sunday's 4-3 win over the Rockies.

EDGE Analysis

McCarthy filled in for Rich Hill, who was scratched due to concerns over his recurring blister issue, and kept Colorado at bay in his first start since August 13. McCarthy was inconsistent prior to going on the DL with right hip stiffness, flashing a 9.9 K/9 rate but also struggling with his command (6.2 BB/9) over 34.2 innings. He was sharp in his return, however, throwing 57 of his 79 pitches for strikes. The date of his next start is uncertain.

McCarthy (hip) was reinstated from the 15-day DL on Sunday, MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

McCarthy had already been announced as Sunday's starter, but this move to the active roster will make it official. The 33-year-old hasn't taken the hill for the Dodgers since Aug. 13, but posted a respectable 3.63 ERA over 34.2 innings in 2016 prior to experiencing the hip stiffness that landed him on the disabled list.

McCarthy (hip) will start Sunday against the Rockies, MLB.com's Ken Gurnick reports.

EDGE Analysis

He will be activated from the DL on Saturday and slot into the rotation Sunday, as the Dodgers will skip Rich Hill as a precaution in hopes of preventing further issues with his blister. McCarthy is unlikely to go much more than four or five innings, as he has not pitched in a game since a four-inning rehab start on Sept. 5. He could conceivably make one more start next weekend, assuming everything goes well Sunday.

McCarthy (hip) will be activated from the DL on Saturday, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The right-hander cleared the final hurdle on his road back from a hip injury Tuesday, throwing 75 pitches against live hitters with no issues. While he's pretty well stretched out, McCarthy is not currently slated to start a game in the immediate future, although he could end up toeing the rubber Wednesday in place of Brett Anderson.

McCarthy (hip) threw a simulated game Tuesday, Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register reports.

EDGE Analysis

McCarthy's threw approximately 75 pitches during his throwing session. An estimated timeframe for McCarthy's return should be known in the coming days, permitting he doesn't experience hip soreness following Tuesday's workout.

McCarthy (hip) is set to throw a simulated game Tuesday in Los Angeles, Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register reports.

EDGE Analysis

McCarthy was initially scheduled to throw a sim game over the weekend, but he has faced live hitters throughout the week so the Dodgers will give him a few extra days to get ready for Tuesday's session. If he's able to get through the sim game without any issues, he could rejoin the Dodgers for the final week of the season.

McCarthy (hip) is expected to throw a simulated game over the weekend, Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register reports.

EDGE Analysis

It seems that McCarthy's hip is holding up to the point where he can pitch for a more extended period of time. If all goes well in the simulated game, he could return to the Dodgers rotation just in time for their final postseason push.