Andre Ethier Finds Satisfaction In Dodgers Success, Not Personal
Andre Ethier came into the season as the Los Angeles Dodgers’ fourth outfielder behind Carl Crawford, Joc Pederson and Yasiel Puig, despite saying that he wanted to be a starter this season even if it mean being traded.
Fast-forward to May 25 and Ethier is starting in right field, hitting a tie-breaking home run in the eighth inning and raising his season average to .313. Because of injuries to Crawford and Puig, the 10-year veteran is enjoying a sort of revival season that would leave most players with an “I told you so” manner. However, Ethier has been a professional and says he doesn’t get satisfaction from his personal success.
“Nah, satisfaction that we’re playing good ball and that we’re in first place. I’ve had somewhat of a little bit of a hand in contributing. That’s where I get my satisfaction, being able to be in the mix and help out with the way things are going,” Ethier said.
To go with his .313 batting average, the 33-year-old has hit six home runs and driven in 17 runs. He’s played above-average defense in right field and has been a key piece to the Dodgers being 27-17.
While he’s been getting the playing time he craved right now, Ethier isn’t taking this opportunity for granted. “I still don’t know what tomorrow will hold, from a week from now to going even further out. Just really making the most of an opportunity every time we get. Just be prepared for that one day. You just have to go out there and fight and keep going.”
With that mentality, Ethier has changed a lot of minds that believed his best days were behind him and that he was better off being traded. His trade value has risen with his play of late and now the Dodgers won’t want to make a deal.
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