When the Los Angeles Dodgers announced their 2019 National League Division Series roster ahead of Game 1 against the Washington Nationals on Thursday night, one noticeable name that was missing was Alex Verdugo.
Though, that wasn’t because the rookie outfielder was expected to be active, but rather he once projected to play a significant role for the team in the postseason. Verdugo hasn’t been in the lineup since Aug. 4 because of a back injury but the hope was he would be able to return.
Verdugo was recently ruled out for the NLDS as he aimed for a potential return during the NL Championship Series if the Dodgers were to advance.
It appears the recovery process is progressing slower than expected though. According to Ken Gurnick of MLB.com, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts no longer envisions Verdugo being able to return at any point in 2019:
Outfielder Alex Verdugo, out the past two months with a lower back injury, is “very unlikely” to return in time for any postseason action, Roberts said.
Verdugo said he still held out hope he could return, but conceded he still has pain when he swings a bat. He has been able to resume running.
This is obviously a tough break for the 23-year-old as he was looking forward to getting a taste of his first postseason action.
His health comes first though and given that his replacement is a solid option in Matt Beaty, there is no reason for the Dodgers to rush Verdugo back and risk further injury that could bleed into the 2020 season.
In Verdugo’s first full season with the club, he hit .294/.342/.475 with 12 home runs, 43 runs scored, 44 RBI and four stolen bases in 106 games. He began the year as a bat off the bench but earned a starting spot when A.J. Pollock required elbow surgery.
With Verdugo likely being shut down through however long the Dodgers’ postseason run lasts, that gives him plenty of time to get healthy and be ready to go for Spring Training next year. He once again should compete for a starting spot in the outfield.
