Spring Training has not be kind to Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Andre Ethier is recent years. After a strong 2015 season he went into camp last year as the team’s starting left fielder and possible leadoff hitter.
But after fouling a ball off his leg, Ethier sustained a fractured tibia, costing him most of last season. He returned for a handful of games at the end of the regular season, and was with the club for the National League Division Series and NL Championship Series.
Ethier came into spring this year completely healthy and looking to battle for a starting outfield spot, as he put the leg injury behind him.
Ethier got off to a strong start in Cactus League play but was removed after just one at-bat on March 6 due to hip soreness. The issue wasn’t considered serious, but it prevented him from participating in workouts in the days that followed.
The 34-year-old was then said to be battling back spasms. After being scratched from the lineup on Sunday, Ethier was scheduled for an MRI on his back.
According to Ken Gurnick of MLB.com, the results revealed a mild herniated disc, and Ethier is shut down after receiving an epidural:
Ethier has mild herniated disk, had epidural.
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) March 21, 2017
Ethier home today, off day tomorrow, week to 10 days no baseball activity.
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) March 21, 2017
Roberts won't speculate on Ethier's Opening Day availability. Said the injury is not as severe as Kershaw's last year.
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) March 21, 2017
While Ethier’s injury is not believed to be as serious as Clayton Kershaw’s injury last year, the veteran outfielder may be hard pressed to recover in time for Opening Day of the 2017 season, which is just under two weeks away.
In his first start since being removed early due to the injury, Ethier went 2-for-2 with an RBI double. Through eight Cactus League games, he’s 6-for-12, including one double, a home run, six walks and two RBIs in 12 at-bats.
Should Ethier need to begin the season on the disabled list, it could guarantee the Dodgers carry Trayce Thompson, who’s looked healthy since returning from multiple fractured vertebrae in his back.
