Adrian Gonzalez battled nagging injuries from the outset of Spring Training, and it made for a long year. While he seemingly managed to overcome the elbow trouble, the veteran first baseman was forced to the disabled list in May for the first time in his career.
Gonzalez returned from the bulging discs in his back nearly two weeks later, but soon after again found himself on the DL due to the same injury. The Los Angeles Dodgers pressed ahead without him, buoyed by Cody Bellinger’s rapid rise.
Gonzalez’s second stint on the disabled list was much more prolonged, as he was not activated until August. By that time he’d lost the starting job at first base to Bellinger.
With a handful of games remaining in the regular season, the Dodgers made a decision to shut Gonzalez down, which would allow him to focus on 2018. The 35-year-old said he planned to adjust his offseason workout program, putting an emphasis on stabilizing his balky back.
As translated from LasMayores.com, Gonzalez also plans to play winter baseball with the Charros de Jalisco:
A source confirmed to Mexican newspaper Excelsior that Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman will report with the Charros de Jalisco in December.
Gonzalez made his debut in Mexican Pacific League in 2005, and has regularly participated in international play for Team Mexico in the World Baseball Classic and qualifiers.
He’s coming off a season in which he appeared in just 71 games, his lowest total since becoming an everyday player in 2006. Gonzalez hit .242/.287/.355 with 17 doubles, three home runs and 30 RBI.
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman recently said he expected Gonzalez to benefit from time in the offseason that will allow for him to get healthy without the pressure of returning to the field. Friedman also said he anticipates Gonzalez being with the club next season.
