The Los Angeles Dodgers begin their slate of Cactus League games on Saturday with a starting outfield comprised of Andrew Toles, Joc Pederson and Yasiel Puig, from left to right field. Cody Bellinger, Andre Ethier, Franklin Gutierrez, Kiké Hernandez and Scott Van Slyke are expected to see time in the outfield throughout spring.
Trayce Thompson may eventually join the group, though he’s still on the mend from multiple fractures in his back. Thompson began to suffer from back pain last May and played through the discomfort into July.
He was initially diagnosed with lower back irritation and placed on the 15-day disabled list immediately after the All-Star break. It wasn’t until later that the extent of Thompson’s injury was realized.
Although 25-year-old is participating in baseball activities, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said he’s not necessarily on the verge of seeing action in a Cactus League game, per Bill Plunkett of the O.C. Register:
Trayce Thompson fully participating in workouts but will play in "more controlled environment" of sim games before he plays in Cactus League
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) February 24, 2017
Prior to reporting to camp, Thompson expressed hope he’d be full-go by early March. However, he conceded the importance was on being healthy for the start of the regular season, and not Spring Training.
Thompson earned regular playing time last season before succumbing to the injury. His best month was May, when Thompson batted .270/.352/.603 with six home runs and 14 RBI in 21 games (18 starts).
Overall, he finished the season hitting .225/.302/.436 with 11 doubles, 13 home runs, 32 RBI, a .318 wOBA and 100 wRC+ in 80 games. The versatile outfielder logged time in center field (32 games; 26 starts), right field (28;22) and left field (24;13).
