The Los Angeles Dodgers have taken their share of lumps over the past three weeks, which has delayed their clinching a fifth consecutive National League West title. They were in position to possibly celebrate Wednesday night, but couldn’t hold off the Philadelphia Phillies after taking a lead.
The Dodgers’ slide has been a result of inconsistent pitching and hitting, and injuries to Cody Bellinger and Corey Seager. The former spent time on the 10-day disabled list due to a sprained ankle, while the latter was slowed by a sore right elbow.
Seager avoided the disabled list but was limited to pinch-hitting for one week and was required to complete a four-day throwing program prior to returning to the lineup.
The start Wednesday night was Seager’s 11th in the past 12 games. There were instances it appeared the balky right elbow caused some discomfort at the plate.
Beyond that, Seager fouled a pitch off his ankle and was sent for X-rays that came back negative, per Ken Gurnick of MLB.com:
Seager fouled a pitch off his ankle, getting x-ray.
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) September 21, 2017
Seager x-rays were negative.
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) September 21, 2017
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said he approached Seager about potentially coming out of the game early, which the 23-year-old shortstop declined to do. He finished the night 0-for-5 and was among the Dodgers to leave runners on base.
Seager is batting .297/.376/.478 with 32 doubles, 20 home runs and 71 RBI in 136 games. His elbow issue is a matter Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said needs to be managed and monitored for the remainder of the year.
