Andre Ethier’s injury was unquestionably a significant loss for the Los Angeles Dodgers as it robbed the club of their starting left fielder and leadoff-hitter candidate. However, it created a window of opportunity for Trayce Thompson.
Acquired from the Chicago White Sox in last December’s three-team trade, Thompson received plenty of playing time throughout Spring Training. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts often raved about his quality of at-bats and versatile skill set.
Thompson nonetheless was expected to begin the season with Triple-A Oklahoma City, because of a deep Dodgers’ outfield. Ethier’s fractured tibia created a break in Thompson’s favor.
The 25-year-old then earned his way into an everyday role but now finds himself on the 15-day disabled list with what was called lower back irritation. However, Roberts said the injury is a more severe issue, per AM 570 LA Sports Radio DodgerTalk host David Vassegh:
Dave Roberts said Trayce Thompson's back injury was more severe than he thought. Partly because Trayce wasn't letting on how much it hurt.
— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) July 24, 2016
Thompson appeared in 39 consecutive games from May 31 through July 10. After exiting on May 28 with back soreness, he missed the next two games. Thompson’s production dipped in June as he played through the lingering injury.
He didn’t appear in the first game after the All-Star break and landed on the DL the following afternoon, though it was retroactive to July 10. Thompson this season is batting .225/.302/.436 with 13 home runs, 32 RBIs, a .318 wOBA and 101 wRC+ in 80 games.
The 25-year-old at one point led the Dodgers in multiple offensive categories including, home runs, slugging percentage and on-base plus slugging.
