Dodgers Digest Los Angeles Dodgers Baseball Blog
We finally got an update on Andre Ethier’s condition, and it’s not good:
Initial X-Rays were negative, but a follow up CT scan showed the fracture. No surgery will be needed. Expected recovery time is 10-14 weeks.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) March 22, 2016
We also got this less specific update on Mike Bolsinger:
Mike Bolsinger will not be ready for the start of the season, Andrew Friedman says.
— Andy McCullough (@ByMcCullough) March 22, 2016
Ethier, who had a very good offensive season last year (.294/.366/.486) after the team finally seemed to figure out that he performs best when he doesn’t have to face lefties regularly, was set to play a big role in the Dodgers’ plans in 2016, possibly even serving as the team’s leadoff hitter on occasion.
With Yasiel Puig, Joc Pederson, Carl Crawford, and Scott Van Slyke (plus super utility man Enrique Hernandez), the Dodgers still have plenty of options for outfield alignments with Ethier out. And folks who were clamoring for Trayce Thompson may just get their wish. But losing Ethier — who, in a small sample size of 29 Cactus League plate appearances, was OPSing 1.169 — is tough.
Then there’s the issue of Bolsinger, who, before straining his abdominal muscle, seemed like the most viable candidate to fill the Dodgers’ fifth starter needs to begin the season. Dave Roberts had this to say about likely candidates for the spot:
Roberts said likely Lee, Frias or Beachy would start first time through rotation. Beachy expected to throw on Wednesday off day at Camelb…
— Eric Stephen (@ericstephen) March 22, 2016
Carlos Frias made 13 starts for the Dodgers last year, and has pitched 10 2/3 innings so far this spring, making one start and four relief appearances. Brandon Beachy, who is currently dealing with mild tendinitis, hasn’t looked especially sharp in his seven innings of work this spring. Zach Lee was optioned to minor league camp on Sunday after three starts for the big club.
Finally, there’s this bit of unfortunate news on Yasmani Grandal:
Yasmani Grandal is going to get tests on his forearm. Dave Roberts said his continued discomfort is "disconcerting."
— Andy McCullough (@ByMcCullough) March 22, 2016
Losing Grandal’s services would, of course, be far from ideal, but as our own Stacie noted, with A.J. Ellis and Austin Barnes, the Dodgers’ catching depth is as good as it’s been in quite some time.
