Coming off a strong 2015 campaign, Andre Ethier was named the expected starter in left field by Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. The rookie skipper also indicated during Spring Training that Ethier was a candidate to bat lead off this season.
Ethier was enjoying a successful spring, but saw it come to an abrupt halt after fouling ball off his right leg. Ethier was initially diagnosed with a lower leg contusion, but a lack of improvement in the days that followed led to an MRI.
The exam revealed the veteran outfielder sustained a fractured right tibia, with a 10-to-14 week recovery set from March 22.
In late April, the Dodgers were encouraged by the results of a CT scan on Ethier’s leg which led to him beginning non-weight bearing activities on an Ultra G machine.
However, some of the initial optimism with Ethier’s progress has subsided as he’s yet to be cleared for baseball activities, according to J.P. Hoornstra of the Southern California News Group:
Andre Ethier still hasn't been cleared to resume baseball activities. Original 10-14 week timetable is essentially out the window.
— J.P. Hoornstra (@jphoornstra) May 31, 2016
Ethier is coming off a season in which he hit .294/.366/.486 with 20 doubles, 14 home runs and 53 RBIs. The loss of his production has been offset by Trayce Thompson‘s emergence in an opportunity created because of Ethier’s injury.
The Dodgers sustained additional injuries in their outfield with Carl Crawford and Scott Van Slyke both landing on the disabled list only one week into the season. Crawford has since returned, while Van Slyke is in the midst of completing a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City.
It’s possible Van Slyke will be reinstated from the DL once the Dodgers return for the start of a seven-game homestand this weekend. Yasiel Puig was a late scratch from Tuesday’s game due to left hamstring tightness.
