Opening the 2016 season without the services of Andre Ethier, the Los Angeles Dodgers expected to primarily rely on Carl Crawford and Scott Van Slyke in left field. However, by through the first week of games, both Crawford and Van Slyke landed on the disabled list.
Crawford has since returned, while Van Slyke is on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City. Van Slyke played seven innings in right field for High-A Rancho Cucamonga, going 1-for-2 with a walk in his lone game with the Quakes.
He’s a combined 2-for-13 over three games with Oklahoma City. Van Slyke played six innings at first base on Tuesday, and all nine innings as the designated hitter on Wednesday.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said the 29 year old may be reinstated once the club returns from their seven-game road trip.
That of course hinges on Van Slyke not suffering any setbacks between now and then. The decision coincides with the Dodgers’ electing to remain with an eight-man bullpen and short bench for their series against the New York Mets and Chicago Cubs.
Van Slyke went went 1-for-9 with a double and two RBIs in four games before going down with lower back irritation. His injury was later said to be more serious than initially believed, which led to Van Slyke now being on the DL for the past six weeks.
