Kevin Pillar underwent surgery on Tuesday to repair a fracture in his left shoulder. When confirming Pillar was set to have the operation, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts suggested the veteran outfielder likely would not return this year.
“I think that for all intents and purposes is the end of the season for him,” Roberts said.
Pillar twice had his left shoulder pop out and back into place last week during the series finale against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The second instance came when he tried to make a head-first slide into third base.
Pillar was checked on by Roberts and a trainer before initially remaining in the game. Pillar scored from third base but was removed between innings, and examination the following day revealed the fracture.
— Kevin Pillar (@KPILLAR4) June 7, 2022
Roberts initially said Pillar was undecided on possibly undergoing surgery and playing again this season hadn’t been ruled out.
“What’s interesting is that he was trying to lobby to stay in the game and potentially be ready for Saturday,” Roberts said last week. “It just speaks to how tough he is.”
In a social media post addressing his shoulder surgery, Pillar said he wasn’t yet certain of the timetable but planned to “be back as quickly as possible.”
Pillar signed a Minor League contract with the Dodgers during Spring Training and began the season with Triple-A Oklahoma City. He hit .315/.412/.622 with six doubles, three triples, nine home runs and 34 RBI over 36 games before getting called up.
Pillar valued being with Dodgers organization
Along with getting an opportunity to play for his hometown team, the 33-year-old was excited to have joined the Dodgers organization because of their proven track record in aiding career turnarounds or extending them.
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