Editorials

Dodgers News: Chris Hatcher Not Expected To Miss Much Time

Jon Soo Hoo, Los Angeles Dodgers
Jon Soo Hoo, Los Angeles Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers gained a player from the disabled list on Wednesday, but at the expense of another player heading to the disabled list.

Outfielder/first baseman Scott Van Slyke returned from the 15-day DL and started in left field against the Texas Rangers, ending the night with two hits that included a two-run home run. He took the place of right-handed reliever Chris Hatcher on the 25-man roster after Hatcher was placed on the DL with a strained oblique.



Hatcher said he felt something after Sunday’s appearance against the San Diego Padres, but didn’t believe it would be a significant injury. “We been working on my mechanics and trying to iron out some things in my delivery. I didn’t know if it was just general soreness from that or if it was a tweak. We found out it was a tweak,” Hatcher said.

The right-hander underwent an MRI and that revealed the strain that put him on the DL. Hatcher has struggled this season, posting a 6.38 ERA in 27 appearances; however, he has not allowed a run in June in three appearances. The 30-year-old was acquired from the Miami Marlins in the Dee Gordon trade and was expected to be a key piece in the bullpen. Hatcher got the save in the Dodgers’ Opening Day victory, but it’s been a rough road since then.

Manager Don Mattingly doesn’t believe Hatcher will miss much time. “Part of this is that we want to be careful with him, not allowing him to try and keep pitching with it. We’re hoping it’s a situation that’s close to 15 days. We’d like to keep it as short as possible,” the manager said.

While Hatcher’s pain and ability to pitch without it will be the ultimate test, it appears the move is more precautionary than absolutely necessary. Outfielder Carl Crawford has been out since April 27 with an oblique injury, but his was a complete tear.

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Vincent Samperio

Vince is currently the Associate Editor and Social Media Manager for Dodgers Nation. Hailing from San Pedro, CA and a student at Cal State Long Beach, Vince has previously written for the Daily 49er and LASF Magazine.

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