Scott Van Slyke is scheduled to undergo season-ending surgery on his right wrist, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Saturday.
Van Slyke’s arthroscopic operation is slated for Thursday, Sept. 1. The clean-up procedure will include the removal of cysts and scar tissue. “It’s one of those things that he’s disappointed, but with the wrist and not having range of motion, it’s something that’s bothered him for a couple of years,” Roberts said.
“We talked and felt what impact he can have (this season) versus getting it taken care of and coming back next year, we decided it was best to get the surgery. As much as he wanted to get through it, he felt he can’t be the player to help us. It made our decision that much easier.”
Van Slyke battled the same wrist injury last season, which led to him being left off the postseason roster. He was placed on the 15-day disabled list earlier this month.
The Dodgers then transferred Van Slyke to the 60-day DL on Thursday. That made Oct. 7, or five days after the regular season concludes, the earliest date he can be activated.
In theory, Van Slyke could have been reinstated for a potential National League Division Series. Though, that was a long shot considering the amount of time the 30-year-old would have missed. Surgery now guarantees he’ll be sidelined even if the Dodgers make an October run.
Lower back irritation, which was later upgraded to a more severe injury, forced Van Slyke to the disabled list a mere one week into the season. He didn’t return from the injury until June.
Van Slyke hit .225/.292/.314 with six doubles, one home run and seven RBI while logging 113 plate appearances in just 52 games this season. Van Slyke entered the year hoping to replicate the success he had in 2014.
