The 2017 season is unfolding in similar fashion to last year for Andre Ethier. While the Los Angeles Dodgers have surged to the best record in the Majors, their veteran outfielder has yet to appear in game.
Last season, a foul ball hit off his shin resulted in a right tibia fracture that kept Ethier on the disabled list until September. He made a full recovery by Spring Training this year and was faring well, only to be slowed by back and hip trouble.
He was eventually diagnosed with a mild herniated disc. The Dodgers initially expected Ethier to return at some point in May but his timeline continued to slip further into the calendar.
The 35-year-old recently participated in batting practice for the first time, which left Dodgers manager Dave Roberts encouraged, according to Joshua Thornton of MLB.com:
“Andre took batting practice and looked really good,” Roberts said. “I was looking at the intensity and he was kind of letting go. … Again, I think with Adrian and the same with Andre, just seeing the aggressive swings and seeing pitches come out the first time live. So that was a good step in the right direction for both of those guys.”
Ethier is a couple steps behind Adrian Gonzalez, who is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment this week with Triple-A Oklahoma City. Gonzalez is also expected to join High-A Rancho Cucamonga at some point, and isn’t eligible to come off the disabled list until Aug. 12.
The past two seasons presumably have been of particular frustration considering Ethier averaged 142 games per year through his first 10 seasons. He only appeared in 19 games last September, though was included on the Dodgers’ National League Division Series and NL Championship Series rosters.
As it stands, Ethier once again is projected to return for the final month of the regular season. He may very well be in his final year with the Dodgers, as they hold a $2.5 million buyout on his $17.5 million option for 2018.
