As expected, the Los Angeles Dodgers reinstated Franklin Gutierrez from the 10-day disabled list ahead of Tuesday’s matchup against the San Francisco Giants. Scott Van Slyke was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City in a corresponding roster move.
Gutierrez had been sidelined since suffering a hamstring strain on April 10. The injury was sustained on a stolen base attempt during the second inning, and Gutierrez was placed on the DL two days later, though it was retroactive to April 11.
During his recovery process at Camelback Ranch, the veteran outfielder was hit by a pitch, which delayed his return. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts then determined Gutierrez wasn’t yet running at 100 percent, and that further pushed back his expected return.
In six games this season, Gutierrez is 3-for-13 (.231 batting average) with two doubles and one walk. Twelve of his 13 at-bats, and all three of hits have come against left-handed pitching.
That was a primary reason behind the Dodgers signing the 34-year-old during the offseason. Over his career, Gutierrez is a lifetime .288/.350/.494 hitter off southpaws.
Outside of a rehab assignment, Van Slyke returns to the Minors for the first time since 2013. Injuries limited Van Slyke to just 52 games last season, and he’s yet to find his stride in 2017.
Van Slyke hit .129/.250/.258 with one double, one home run, two RBI, five walks and 12 strikeouts over 21 games with the Dodgers.
