The Los Angeles Dodgers transferred Kevin Pillar to the 60-day injured list on Friday in order to make room for Eddy Alvarez on their 40-man roster. Alvarez was added to the active roster in place of Edwin Ríos, who went on the 10-day IL due to a right hamstring strain.
Ríos marked a second player the Dodgers lost to the IL in consecutive days as Pillar began his stint on Thursday. Pillar sustained a fractured left shoulder during the series finale against the Pittsburgh Pirates and was removed in the sixth inning.
“What’s interesting is that he was trying to lobby to stay in the game and potentially be ready for Saturday,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said when discussing Pillar’s injury diagnosis before facing the New York Mets.
“It just speaks to how tough he is. But with the imaging, the fractured shoulder, obviously he’s going to weigh his options, but very disappointing for everyone.”
Pillar is likely to undergo surgery, though a final decision has not yet been made.
“I worked really hard to put myself in a position to be here,” the veteran outfielder said. “This was the place I ultimately wanted to be, that I dreamed of since I was a little kid. I finally felt like I was fitting in here.”
Pillar signed a Minor League contract with the Dodgers and remained patient while performing well in Triple-A Oklahoma City. The Southern California native was 0-for-11 before hitting a double against the Pirates.
Pillar hopeful to return in 2022
Even with the prospect of likely needing surgery to repair his left shoulder, Pillar believes a return this season is within the realm of possibilities.
Roberts was a bit more cautious when discussing the potential for the nine-year veteran to make his way back to the Dodgers this season.
“I don’t want to bet against him, but I don’t want to say, either,” Roberts said.
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