While the Los Angeles Dodgers have generally managed to remain healthy this spring, there are a handful of players dealing with minor injury. Among them is outfielder Andre Ethier, who has been sidelined with hip tightness.
With still plenty of time until Opening Day of the 2017 season, the Dodgers are taking a cautious approach with Ethier and Corey Seager (back/oblique). Both players were recently held out of workouts.
However, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Ethier is again back to participating in baseball activities and may return to Cactus League action this week, via Ken Gurnick of MLB.com:
Outfielder Andre Ethier also remains sidelined by hip tightness, but he has been working out with the team and Roberts said he is expected to play in games later this week.
Dealing with an injury in Spring Training is nothing new to Ethier, as last year he hit a foul ball off his leg that wound up costing him most of the season due to a complex tibia fracture that healed slower than expected.
Ethier has played in six games thus far and is 4-for-9 with one home run and six walks. The 34-year-old is on the verge of entering what could be his final season with the Dodgers. Ethier’s contract includes a $17.5 million option ($2.5 million buyout) for next season.
His option will vest should Ethier log 550 plate appearances. Roberts has indicated the club does not view the veteran as an everyday player.
After a down year in 2014, Ethier bounced back with a strong 2015 campaign, batting .294/.366/.486 with 20 doubles, 14 home runs, 53 RBI and a 137 OPS+ in 142 games.
