Adrian Gonzalez was removed from the series finale against the Milwaukee Brewers after six innings due to what Los Angeles Dodgers manager described as “just a little tightness” in Gonzalez’s back. He went 0-for-2 prior to being replaced by Chase Utley.
“I wanted to be cautious, I don’t think it’s anything,” Roberts added. “To get him out of there, get ahead of it, get the off-day, I would expect him to be fine Tuesday.” Sunday was Gonzalez’s ninth start since returning from the disabled list, and he’s appeared in each of the Dodgers’ last 10 games.
Gonzalez is 7-or-38 with two four scored, two doubles, one home run and two RBI during that stretch. He reached 2,000 career hits on a double last week against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The veteran was expected to fill a role off the bench upon being reinstated, but Cody Bellinger’s ankle sprain and subsequent stint on the DL pressed Gonzalez into shouldering a larger load.
The 35-year-old has been beset by injuries since reporting to Spring Training this year. Gonzalez battled forearm soreness and recurring back trouble, and was eventually forced to the disabled list for the first time in his career.
Gonzalez appeared in 20 games before being put back on the DL. Chronic bulging discs have limited him to just 58 games (50 starts). Gonzalez is batting .241/.288/.335 with 13 doubles, two home runs and 26 RBI. His .623 on-base plus slugging percentage is on track to be a career-worst.
While Gonzalez may be in the lineup for the series opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks, he may receive a night off Wednesday, considering Bellinger is on track to be activated from the disabled list and the Dodgers are scheduled to face southpaw Robbie Ray.
Beginning Tuesday, the Dodgers play 17 games in 16 days.
