Injuries have been a problem for Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez this year, as he dealt with tennis elbow in his right arm throughout Spring Training.
Gonzalez has never been on the disabled list in his 14-year career, but recently admitted he should have begun the season on the DL to allow for his elbow heal. While he no longer considers that much of an issue, Gonzalez revealed he is again dealing with a herniated disc in his back.
Though, Gonzalez claimed the injury is not as serious as the same trouble he had last year. In light of the recent discussions over his lack of production and injuries, Gonzalez believes improvement is around the corner, via Andy McCullough of the L.A. Times:
He said he can generate the necessary extension with his swing, and no longer needs to compensate with his left arm.
“As long as I’m right, and I’m able to do the things I want to do, when I get on a roll, it’ll be a really good roll,” Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez has 308 career home runs, but has yet to homer this season. He’s batting .255/.327/.309 with 11 RBIs, and only five doubles to show in the extra-base hit category.
A possible solution for Gonzalez’s herniated disc could be to put him on the 10-day disabled list. In turn, that would allow for top prospect Cody Bellinger to remain with the Dodgers and fill in at first base. Bellinger has played all but one of nine games in left field.
