Adrian Gonzalez continued with his rehab assignment on Saturday, joining High-A Rancho Cucamonga after five games with Triple-A Oklahoma City. He’s expected to remain with the Quakes through Wednesday and travel with the Los Angeles Dodgers for their seven-game road trip.
“I don’t know what particular day he’ll be activated,” manager Dave Roberts said. “It’ll be in either Detroit or Pittsburgh.” Gonzalez has been on the disabled list since June 12 due to multiple herniated discs in his back.
The prolonged absence has been offset by Cody Bellinger’s emergence. In turn, it’s left Gonzalez without an everyday opportunity. Roberts nonetheless intends to get the veteran in the lineup, suggesting it will primarily come against right-handed pitching.
“Obviously, he’s going to need to play and stay sharp,” Roberts said. “The way we run Chris Taylor out there a lot and Cody out there a lot, there are some days where they can get a day and give Adrian an opportunity.
“We understand that going forward we’re better with Adrian on our ballclub. To what extent, we haven’t made that decision yet.” Gonzalez remains confident he’s capable of contributing when healthy.
The 35-year-old conceded, in retrospect, attempting to play through the back and elbow/forearm discomfort was not a sound decision. As it became evident Bellinger was more than capable of filling the void at first base, Gonzalez made no qualms over the matter.
He’s consistently placed an emphasis on doing what’s best for the team and their quest to win a World Series. “All that he’s accomplished as an individual is incredible,” Roberts said.
“But the one thing he wants to do is win a championship. To be in the clubhouse and to see what we have and what he’s been part of, seeing the guys be productive, I know that he’s only here to help the situation.”
