While one of the strengths of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ roster has been their outfield depth, one critical member has yet to play in a game so far this season. That of course is Andre Ethier, who played an integral role for the club last season.
The veteran outfielder is coming off a resurgent year in which he hit .294/.366/.486 with 14 home runs and 53 RBIs. That success carried into Spring Training where Ethier batted .435/.517/.652 (10-for-23) with one triple, one home run, five walks and four RBIs.
However, that came to a grinding halt when Ethier fouled a ball off his right leg and sustained a fractured right tibia. While the 10-to-14 week timetable has passed, Ethier’s recovery has taken longer than expected, and he only recently was cleared to begin baseball activities.
“He’s taking swings on some front toss, tee work and he’s jogging now,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said on Sunday. “Hopefully in the next week he’ll get another scan. To (pain) tolerance, he feels good.”
Ethier, who has been rehabbing at the Dodgers’ Camelback Ranch Spring Training complex, was with the club over the weekend. Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman has cautious optimism over Ethier’s progress.
“With ‘Dre, the arrow is pointing up. No one is more frustrated than he is. With a bone, it’s not something you can rehab and strengthen to get it better,” Friedman said.
“It has to heal on its own timeline. It’s healing, it’s just not all the way there yet to be able to push him to a full-go to return to play.”
While Ethier has been missed in the middle of the Dodgers’ order, the outfield core has held its own thus far into the season. His absence has led to the emergence of Trayce Thompson, with the rookie ranking near the top of several offensive categories for Los Angeles.
Assuming good health, Ethier’s eventual return will lead to a difficult roster decision. Coupled with Thompson, Joc Pederson and Yasiel Puig are entrenched in their roles, while Howie Kendrick has seen plenty of time in left field.
Given the Dodgers’ luck this season, the situation may very well sort itself out. As it stands, Pederson is currently on the disabled list with a sprained right AC joint.
