Several Los Angeles Dodgers position players have arrived at Camelback Ranch ahead of Monday’s report date, and included in that group is Adrian Gonzalez. However, the veteran first baseman revealed he’s suffering from tennis elbow (right) and is shut down for two weeks.
The elbow inflammation has already shelved Gonzalez for more than a week. Gonzalez has previously battled neck trouble and a pinched nerve in his back. Any time Gonzalez misses figures to give the Dodgers an extended look at top prospect Cody Bellinger and backup outfielder Scott Van Slyke.
Though, the club also intends to play Chase Utley at first base throughout Spring Training, according to Andy McCullough of the L.A. Times:
The Dodgers plan to give Chase Utley some run at first base this spring.
— Andy McCullough (@McCulloughTimes) February 17, 2017
In addition, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Utley will see time at first base during the regular season as well, per Ken Gurnick of MLB.com:
Utley will get time at 1B as well.
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) February 18, 2017
Utley played six games, including three starts, at first base during the 2015 season. The bulk of his minimal experience at the position came during 2004 season when the Phillies used Utley at first base in 13 games (11 starts).
What may aid the veteran is the time that was spent reacquainting himself with third base, at the Dodgers’ instruction in 2015. Though, it only amounted to Utley playing three games at the hot corner, and one last season. He’d last played the position as a Minor Leaguer in 2002.
Although the Dodgers are better suited to find a right-handed complement to Gonzalez, Utley becoming comfortable with playing first base will provide Roberts with additional flexibility.
