Dodgers News: Andre Ethier Likely to Miss Start of Season
Andre Ethier returned this past weekend. He’s now shut down again.
Ethier has a “mild herniated disc” and will be sidelined for the next 10 or so days, according to Dave Roberts.
Andre Ethier has mild herniated disc in his back. Took epidural. He's out at least 7-10 days to see how the shot works. #Dodgers
— AlaNNa Rizzo (@alannarizzo) March 21, 2017
Ethier probably won’t start the year on the roster, leaving Andrew Toles as the starter in left field.
Good/bad news — Ethier's disk diagnosis is "mild herniation." That was original diagnosis for Kershaw last year; he missed 2 1/2 months.
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) March 21, 2017
The second part of Gurnick’s tweet is discouraging if you’re a Dodgers fan. Ethier was having a solid spring before hip and back problems knocked him out. Injuries have plagued the vet throughout his career.
[graphiq id=”6eDGFV61C4t” title=”Andre Ethier” width=”600″ height=”674″ url=”https://w.graphiq.com/w/6eDGFV61C4t” ]Ethier only played in 16 games last season. Even if he returns in 10 days, it’s realistic to believe he starts the season on the disabled list.
The Dodgers have the depth to withstand this without much problem, but it’s not how they want to start the season after 2016’s record-setting number of DL stints.
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I like Ethier. Ton of talent but the time is running out on being able to advantage that. Too many young guns wanting that spot and apparently in much better shape. I really question today’s training methods. In a real job environment, many of these guys have used up their sick day allowance and the work week hasn’t started.