In addition to mulling over whether to carry Kiké Hernandez of Chris Taylor on their 2017 Opening Day roster, the Los Angeles Dodgers were also deciding between a final outfielder in Scott Van Slyke and Trayce Thompson.
Thompson was optioned to the Minors on Thursday, which amounted to Van Slyke essentially securing a roster spot with the Dodgers. Although both are capable of playing all three outfield positions, Van Slyke can also back up Adrian Gonzalez at first base.
Thompson only appeared in 11 Cactus League games this year because the Dodgers eased him back from the multiple fractured vertebrae he sustained last season. The limited action may have influenced the Dodgers’ decision.
But Dodgers manager Dave Roberts also noted the benefit of Thompson playing everyday for Triple-A Oklahoma City, via J.P. Hoornstra of the Southern California News Group:
“To get him back to playing every day in any capacity,” Roberts said of Thompson, “I think is a good thing for him.”
The 26-year-old outfielder put together a strong 2016 Spring Training and earned a spot on the Dodgers Opening Day roster, though Andre Ethier suffering a fractured tibia was a factor.
Thompson went on to bat .225/.302/.436 with 11 doubles, 13 home runs and 32 RBI over 80 games with the Dodgers. He enjoyed a particularly hot month of May, hitting .270/.352/.603 with three doubles, six home runs and 14 RBI while appearing in 21 games.
Thompson appeared in 39 consecutive games from May 31 through July 10. However, the streak ending coincided with the book on his 2016 season coming to a close. After experiencing back discomfort in May, Thompson is believed to have sustained the fractures in July while crashing into the fence at Dodger Stadium.
Attempts to recover in time by the postseason proved futile. The Dodgers were cautious with Thompson’s rehab process throughout the offseason and into Spring Training. He maintained since early March that health was not an issue.
Thompson nonetheless is slated for his first experience with Oklahoma City. Considering the Dodgers’ luck in the outfield, it may not be long before the athletic outfielder is back in the Majors.
