While the Los Angeles Dodgers have yet to make a significant splash in free agency, the club has bolstered its depth with a plethora of Minor League signings — many of them with previous Major League experience.
Among the most notable additions is former Miami Marlins and New York Yankees infielder Donovan Solano, who was expected to add further competition to the organization during Spring Training.
Those plans may have changed, unfortunately, with just under one month until Cactus League play begins. On Wednesday, Solano was hit in the face while attempting a bunt for Tigres del Licey of the Dominican Winter League, via Enrique Rojas of ESPN:
Alerta: #Licey colombiano Donovan Solano golpeado en el rostro por un pitcheo de #Aguilas Richard Rodríguez pic.twitter.com/rMRZWxb6wp
— Enrique Rojas/ESPN (@Enrique_Rojas1) January 25, 2018
While the injury appeared serious at first glance, Solano was taken to the hospital where it was determined he didn’t suffer any facial fractures, according to J.P. Hoornstra of the Southern California News Group:
Loose translation: Donovan Solano didn't suffer any fractures in his face after being hit by a pitch. He was taken to a hospital and sutured up. https://t.co/wo3fmcxq2S
— J.P. Hoornstra (@jphoornstra) January 25, 2018
Solano, 30, batted .257/.307/.328 with 38 doubles, six triples, eight home runs and 97 RBI in 361 games for the Marlins over parts of four seasons from 2012-15.
The infielder appeared in just nine games for the Yankees during the 2016 season, where he posted an on-base plus slugging of .715 with two doubles and one home run over 23 plate appearances.
Once fully recovered, Solano figures to spend the bulk of his time with Triple-A Oklahoma City this season. He’s slated to be among the first in line for a call-up should the Dodgers need a utility player off the bench.
