Dodgers News: Andre Ethier Rests With ‘Various Bumps And Bruises’

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The Los Angeles Dodgers are 8-2 in their last 10 games, including winners of three straight, but they continue to deal with some form of injury issues and concerns.

Juan Uribe returned to the lineup Thursday, but Hanley Ramirez remains out as he deals with irritation in his right shoulder. As for the outfield, Carl Crawford was able to resume his recovery from a sprained ankle, but it appears Andre Ethier is battling some minor issues.

Despite the fact the Cardinals are sending another right-hander to the mound Friday, Ethier is absent from the lineup. He hit a foul ball off the inside of his knee in Thursday’s win and need a few minutes to regather himself before stepping back into the batter’s box.

According to Eric Stephen of True Blue LA, manager Don Mattingly said Ethier has been dealing with some issues:

Don Mattingly said he was giving Andre Ethier a day off, "dealing with various bumps and bruises" lately.

— Eric Stephen (@truebluela) June 27, 2014

Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports Ethier had knee troubles when the Dodgers were in Kansas City as part of their road trip:

Mattingly said Ethier also had knee issues in KC. Said it's only one day off.

— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) June 27, 2014

Ethier played in all but one of the six-game road trip, however one of his appearances was as a pinch-hitter in the ninth inning and he stayed on to finish the game. He finished 2-for-17 on the trip.

Both of Ethier’s hits came in the final two games against the Royals and he’s now hitting .244 this season with three home runs and 27 RBIs. Scott Van Slyke is starting in center field Friday.
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