When the Los Angeles Dodgers discovered Andre Ethier sustained a fractured right tibia, the worst-case scenario had him out until July. But the 10-to-14 week timetable became obsolete as Ethier made a slow recovery.
The Dodgers eventually resigned themselves to the hope of seeing Ethier back on the field in September. That became a viable possibility when he recently turned a corner with the intensity of workouts at Camelback Ranch.
In a mild surprise, the 34-year-old began a rehab assignment with High-A Rancho Cucamonga on Thursday. Ethier went 2-for-4 with one double and two strikeouts as the designated hitter.
“He said he felt good to get back into a game,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Saturday. “He said he saw the ball pretty well and his leg feels good. I think he was encouraged.”
Ethier was back in the lineup Saturday, starting in right field and logging four innings. He finished the night 0-for-3 with one strikeout.
What’s next for the veteran outfielder remains fluid. The club does not have a set number of at-bats or innings spent in the field Ethier must reach before consideration is given to activating him from the 60-day disabled list.
“I’m going to give him cart blanche to communicate with me on how he feels,” Roberts said. “I’m going to trust that when he’s ready he’s going to let me know, and we’ll act accordingly.” The rookie manager previously stated he wasn’t certain to what capacity Ethier could fill upon returning. That still holds true.
“With Dre, it could be a pinch-hit thing or play the field. It’s all contingent on how the leg heals,” Roberts explained. “I don’t want to put him in one specific role right now. I want to let it play out and when he gets to us, we’ll evaluate.”
Ethier was transferred to the 60-day DL in April and is already eligible to be activated. He started as the Quakes’ DH on Sunday.
