After the bounce-back season Andre Ethier had in 2014, losing him to injury this spring figured to be a significant blow to the Los Angeles Dodgers’ lineup. The void has in some part been offset by a strong showing from Trayce Thompson.
The young and versatile outfielder spent the early portion of the season as a platoon of sorts with Joc Pederson in center field. Although that’s how the arrangement appeared on the surface, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts regularly denied a platoon was in place.
Thompson eventually earned his way into regular playing time in left field, and also slid over to right field when Yasiel Puig landed on the disabled list. Thompson was back in center when Joc Pederson was placed on the DL two weeks ago.
The 25-year-old Thompson made nine consecutive starts prior to entering off the bench July 8 against the San Diego Padres; he also didn’t start the following game. After returning to the lineup in the first-half finale, Thompson wasn’t starting Friday night against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
According to Alanna Rizzo of Time Warner Cable SportsNet LA, that’s because of an injury that Dodgers manager Dave Roberts couldn’t yet say a stint on the disabled list is out of the question:
Low back irritation will sideline Trayce Thompson for at least 2 days. Roberts didn't rule out a DL stint.
— Alanna Rizzo (@alannarizzo) July 16, 2016
Thompson previously missed a small stretch of games due to a nagging back issue. He got off to a hot start but has since cooled and overall this season is batting .225/.302/.436 with 11 doubles, 13 home runs and 32 RBIs.
Should a DL stint be required, the club could essentially swap outfielders as Pederson is expected to return early next week. After their weekend series with the Diamondbacks, Los Angeles has an off-day Monday before continuing with the nine-game road trip.
