Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Franklin Gutierrez was removed in the fifth inning Saturday night because of hip tightness. Gutierrez appeared to suffer his injury while running the bases on a Kiké Hernandez two-run double off San Diego Padres starter Clayton Richard.
Beyond the usual frustration that comes with an injury, Gutierrez’s case is compounded by the fact that he was activated on Tuesday, after missing 19 games due to a left hamstring strain. The 34-year-old entered play Saturday batting .333/.368/.611 with two doubles, one home run and two RBI in nine games.
Following his club’s 10-2 rout of the Padres, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Gutierrez is not expected to require a stint on the disabled list. “He ran a lot, so for me, it was more precautionary and to upgrade the defense a little bit.”
If Gutierrez’s condition worsens and he does wind up on the DL, the Dodgers presumably would recall Trayce Thompson from Triple-A Oklahoma City. Thompson replaced Gutierrez on the active roster in April.
Thompson opened the season a combined 2-for-64 with two RBI, six walks and 23 strikeouts during time spent with the Dodgers and Oklahoma City. Though, Thompson began the night 4-for-his-last-8 with one triple in the past two games. Included in that is a 3-for-4 effort in Friday’s loss.
Another conceivable option is Brett Eibner, who was previously with the Dodgers this season for two brief stints. Eibner went 1-for-5 in three games.
Gutierrez was 0-for-1 with two walks and one strikeout prior to being replaced by Andrew Toles.
