Going into the 2016 season, the Los Angeles Dodgers are still dealing with the same crowded outfield that at times has been a headache over recent years. However, that same problem has been a saving grace as at least one outfielder has gotten injured.
More often than not, Carl Crawford has been the outfielder to go down with injury. Excluding 2012, Crawford has been limited to 116, 105 and 69 games during his time with the Dodgers.
At the time of being traded by the Boston Red Sox in 2012, Crawford was out for the year after undergoing Tommy John surgery.
With Joc Pederson and Yasiel Puig expected to receive plenty of playing time in center and right field, respectively, Crawford and Andre Ethier are essentially competing for at-bats in left field.
Ethier is coming off a bounce-back season in which he filled the void left by Crawford and Puig. The success appears to have him in line for a starting role in left field this season.
Although the situation is far from ideal for Crawford, he’s understanding of it, according to
Ken Gurnick of MLB.com:
“I want to play, but I understand I put myself in this situation, so I knew it could happen,” said Crawford. “I’m not in position to argue with them. Right now, I do what’s asked of me and keep trying to improve myself and be sharp and ready to play when my number is called.”
Crawford hasn’t played a full season since 2010, as he has battled oblique, hamstring, back and elbow issues. The 34-year-old outfielder hopes to turn a new leaf in 2016:
“With me, it’s always obvious if I’m healthy or not,” said Crawford, who demonstrated his health while speeding to third on Sunday’s triple. “My goal this year is to just stay healthy and try to dig myself out of this situation. And I’ll do whatever they need me to do.”
Crawford reportedly was made available for trade during offseason. However, moving the veteran is no easy task given his age, injury history, and the more than $40 million remaining on his contract through 2017.
Assuming Crawford is bound for a role off the bench, he’ll join the likes of A.J. Ellis, Kiké Hernandez, Chase Utley and Scott Van Slyke.
