Carl Crawford To DL With Torn Oblique; Kiké Hernandez Recalled
Just hours after the announcement of Brandon McCarthy’s injury on Monday, the Los Angeles Dodgers faced the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium.
Left fielder Carl Crawford was pinch-hit for in the third inning after hitting a triple in the first. However, little to no information was given about the reason for Crawford’s early exit until today.
According to Vincent Samperio of DodgersNation.com, the left fielder injured himself on his swing during his first at-bat:
Carl Crawford has a torn oblique. Said he tore it on his swing last night that produced a triple.
— Vincent Samperio (@DNVince) April 28, 2015
So far this season, Crawford is batting .245 with one home run and three RBIs and no stolen bases. He mentioned before the season that he was in great shape and was ready for a strong season. Crawford did not mention a timetable for his recovery, but it will likely be at least a month.
After Crawford was sent to disabled list, the Dodgers called up Kiké Hernandez, a utility man who played well with the Dodgers in Spring Training.
In 16 games at Triple-A Oklahoma City, Hernandez has hit .169 with just one home run. He can play all three outfield spots, as well as second base, third base and shortstop. Because of his versatility, it’s probably that his time with the Dodgers will be until Crawford is back.
In the first game without Crawford, Alex Guerrero is starting in left field against Madison Bumgarner. Guerrero has hit five home runs and driven in 13 runs in just 24 plate appearances this season. He could find himself in left field more often with the injury, along with Scott Van Slyke.
The Dodgers are already down an outfielder with Yasiel Puig on the disabled list for a hamstring issue, but the depth that Andrew Friedman and the front office built this winter is coming into play.
[divide]Brandon McCarthy Out For Season With Torn UCL
