Up to Monday’s game against the Colorado Rockies, the Los Angeles Dodgers had enjoyed a relatively healthy spring. Adrian Gonzalez reported to camp with tendinitis in his right elbow and was shut down, though the matter was not considered serious.
Pedro Baez took a comebacker off his right thumb while throwing live batting practice, and though initial exams came back negative, the right-hander is being sent for additional testing. Corey Seager has been sidelined since Saturday due to back tightness, but again, there’s little concern.
On Monday, the Dodgers saw Scott Kazmir (hip), Andre Ethier (back) and Henry Ramos (groin) leave early due to injury. According to Ken Gurnick of MLB.com, Kazmir, Ethier and Seager have improved, while Andrew Toles is expected back in the lineup after nursing a hyperextended knee:
Kazmir told Roberts he feels better than yesterday.
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) March 7, 2017
Seager improving, but Roberts backs off earlier projection of Friday return
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) March 7, 2017
Roberts said still not concerned about Seager being ready for Opening Day.
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) March 7, 2017
Ethier's back is better, he was able to hit in the cage.
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) March 7, 2017
OF Andrew Toles has missed four games with a slight knee hyperextension, expected to play late in the week.
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) March 7, 2017
Like Seager, Ethier was not in the Dodgers’ lineup on Tuesday against the San Francisco Giants. It’s unclear when the veteran may return to Cactus League play. Considering the Dodgers’ off day on Thursday, it’s plausible the earliest Ethier would return is in Friday night’s contest.
With Seager out of the lineup, Charlie Culberson and Kiké Hernandez have assumed the bulk of the duties at shortstop.
An MRI on Kazmir’s left hip came back negative, but what his next steps are is currently unclear.
