Dodgers News: Alex Verdugo Will Not Be Ready for 2019 NLCS

According to JP Hoornstra of the Southern California News Group, outfielder Alex Verdugo seems to be out for a potential NLCS should the Dodgers advance.

Just talked to Alex Verdugo. Progress from his back injury is coming slowly. He hasn’t taken full swings yet, so it sounds like Game 1 of the NLCS is out for him.

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— J.P. Hoornstra (@jphoornstra) October 3, 2019

This is not good news. Verdugo was an integral part of the Dodgers’ terrific defense and offensive attack against both right-handed and left-handed pitching. While the Dodgers’ position player corps is still strong without Verdugo, it is a shame that he will not be on the field when it matters most.

As Hoornstra mentioned in his tweet, he has yet to take full swings and he is progressing slowly from a back injury. Verdugo initially went on the shelf with an oblique strain, but developed a back issue during his recovery.

On the season, Alex Verdugo played in 106 games, amassing a .294 batting average and .817 on-base plus slugging percentage. This counts as his rookie season and he was fantastic in the campaign. A fully healthy Verdugo is imperative for the Dodgers down the road.

While a potential World Series return has not been ruled out, Verdugo appears to be unlikely to return at all this season. Verdugo’s absence created the ability of Matt Beaty to rise up and make the postseason roster and should Verdugo return, he would most likely take Beaty’s spot on the postseason roster.