True to form from previous seasons, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ perceived crowded outfield has been much-needed depth. Andre Ethier began the year on the disabled list, and Kiké Hernandez and Yasiel Puig have both spent time on the DL.
So too has Trayce Thompson and second-baseman-turned-left-fielder Howie Kendrick. Of the aforementioned group, Thompson remains on the disabled list. He went inactive in mid-July with what the Dodgers called lower back irritation.
Less than two weeks later his injury was then said to be more severe than initially believed.
Thompson was thought to be closing in on a rehab assignment, but Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said over the weekend that the outfielder’s recovery had stalled and a return wasn’t expected until September.
According to Jack Baer of MLB.com, Thompson was recently sent for additional testing which revealed fractures in his back:
A recent X-ray revealed that Trayce Thompson’s back injury, previously described as irritation, is in fact the result of multiple fractures. The Dodgers outfielder still believes that he will be able to return in September.
The Dodgers transferred Thompson to the 60-day disabled list on Sunday, making Sept. 9 the earliest date he can be activated.
On the year he’s batting .225/.302/.436 with 11 doubles, 13 home runs, 32 RBIs, a .318 wOBA and 100 wRC+ in 80 games. Thompson has logged time in center field (32 games; 26 starts), right field (28;22) and left field (24;13).
