Dodgers News: Adrian Gonzalez Out With Quad Cramp, Not Serious

The Dodgers have another chance to clinch the NL West this afternoon and Hanley Ramirez will make his return to the lineup a day after sitting out with a re-aggravation of his back injury.

Carl Crawford is getting the day off against left-handed starter Wade Miley, but it’s surprising that Adrian Gonzalez was absent as he was ejected from last night’s game and should’ve been ready to go.

However, according to Dylan Hernandez of the LA Times, Gonzalez is still dealing with a quad cramp that caused him to leave Tuesday’s game:

Gonzalez is available to pinch hit and play defense. “We don’t think it’s major,” Mattingly said.

— Dylan Hernandez (@dylanohernandez) September 19, 2013

Gonzalez has been the glue that’s kept the Dodgers together most of the season while Matt Kemp and Hanley missed significant parts due to injury.

In his first full season with the Dodgers, Gonzalez is hitting .294 with 21 home runs and 98 RBIs as he’s proven to be one of the steadiest number three hitters in baseball. Without him in the lineup today, Jerry Hairston Jr. gets the start as he’s 4-10 in his career against Miley.

The good news is that Kemp will start for a third consecutive night, while Ramirez was surprise addition as the Dodgers don’t want him playing so often before the playoffs. If the Dodgers are able to clinch the division today, expect Gonzalez to get some extra rest before the playoffs begin.

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In case you missed it, be sure to find out more about Matt Kemp joining the Dodgers starting lineup.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOmbFKQGjTs