Dodgers News: Andre Ethier Returns, A.J. Ellis Keeps Promise

So much has been going right for the Dodgers as they improved to 41-8 in their last 49 yesterday afternoon with the help of both Hanley Ramirez and Zack Greinke.

However, outfielder Andre Ethier was absent from the lineup yet again with a tight left calf suffered during the Dodgers trip to Chicago after he said he said he was ready to go after Wednesday night’s comeback win.

Meanwhile, catcher A.J. Ellis was struck on the left knee by a foul ball and after writhing in pain for a couple minutes, stayed in the game last night.

Bill Plunkett of the OC Register was the first to report that both were in the lineup this afternoon:

Andre Ethier back in CF for #Dodgers tonight. AJ Ellis at catcher with Kershaw pitching. Ellis took foul ball off left knee last night.

— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) August 17, 2013

Ethier pinch hit last night in the ninth inning and didn’t look too comfortable running to first base. While he hasn’t had a great season, Ethier had his shining moment on Wednesday as he delivered the game-tying two-run home run in the ninth inning.

Ellis took to Twitter last night to promise that he’d be in the lineup this afternoon as he’s been one of the Dodgers most consistent hitters in the past month or so.

In his last 31 games, Ellis has 24 RBIs as the Dodgers are the new favorites to win the World Series, in large part to Ellis’ work behind the plate and in the batters box.

Hopefully Ethier and Ellis make it out of this afternoon’s game without any setback as the Dodgers look to win their 10th straight game this afternoon.

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In case you missed it, be sure to find out the latest on Matt Kemp’s ankle injury.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yg0AP5LACzc