Adrian Gonzalez took another step forward in his recovery from a herniated disc in his lower back by recently taking part in early batting practice. The level of activity caught the attention of Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.
“I was actually surprised by the effort he exerted,” Roberts said. “He hit some balls out of the ballpark and says he feels good. I think for him to get onto the field and take batting practice, was a good thing.”
It by far was the most extensive workout Gonzalez has completed since back trouble forced him to the disabled list for a second time this season. It wasn’t until two weeks ago that Gonzalez resumed swinging a bat, beginning with dry work.
He more recently advanced to hitting off a tee and taking soft toss and last Friday, Gonzalez fielded ground balls at first base.
“I’m curious to see how he responds and recovers,” Roberts answered when asked for a timetable on the veteran first baseman. “It was a big day for him. He wants to show us that he’s closer than we think. That’s good. That’s what we want from a player.”
Assuming Gonzalez doesn’t encounter any sort of setback, a rehab assignment would appear to be on the horizon. “It’s been a while since he’s played consistently, so there isn’t an exact number of rehab games we expect,” Roberts explained.
“But there’s going to be a progression of innings and at-bats. Like I’ve said from his initial time on the DL, I’m comfortable deferring to him.”
Gonzalez is batting .255/.304/.339 with 11 doubles, one home run and 23 RBIs in 49 games this season. His .643 on-base plus slugging percentage would be a career-worst mark.
Earlier this month, Gonzalez said he planned to return by some time in September even if his back was not 100 percent.
