Dodgers News: Guerrero Out For Freeway Series With Pulled Side Muscle

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Yesterday the Los Angeles Dodgers optioned second baseman Alex Guerrero to Triple A Albuquerque in order to make room on the roster for left fielder Carl Crawford who was placed on paternity leave. With a three-game exhibition Freeway series this weekend, the Dodgers were allowed to use an extended roster like they did during Spring Training.

The Dodgers held a workout yesterday at Dodger Stadium, there first since returning to Los Angeles after their two-game Opening Series in Australia. According to Eric Stephen of TrueBlueLA, Guerrero hurt himself and it sounds like he could be sidelined for an extended period of time:

Alex Guerrero pulled side muscle, out this weekend

— Eric Stephen (@truebluela) March 27, 2014

Guerrero pulled the muscle yesterday. Probably out at least a week if not more

— Eric Stephen (@truebluela) March 27, 2014

Guerrero was signed to a four-year, $28 million deal this past October. Thought to be the starter at second base when he was signed, a leg injury in winter ball delayed his transition to his new position. However, Guerrero had a fairly successful spring hitting .300, including a team-high nine RBI. He made one appearance in Game 2 of the Australia series, but struckout in his only at-bat.

The organization isn’t concerned about his offense, but since he grew up a shortstop, Guerrero still needs to work on his fielding as he makes the transition to second base. In the mean time, it seems manager Don Mattingly has decided to go with a platoon of Dee Gordon and Justin Turner.

This pulled muscle is just a small bump in the road for Guerrero as he tries to work his way into the Dodgers lineup. It doesn’t seem like there’s a timetable for Guerrero to get back onto the field as everyday missed is another opportunity wasted to get better at his craft.

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