Dodgers Injuries Mounting

Adding to the growing concern over injuries in the Dodgers clubhouse, Justin Turner missed his second consecutive game after receiving a lubricating injection into his arthritic left knee.

Though the injection is considered proactive and preventative, there is anxiety as the red-headed third baseman had micro fracture surgery on the same knee after the 2015 season. A micro fracture surgery is considered minimally invasive – tiny holes are drilled to allow blood into an area to replace missing cartilage. Following the surgery, Turner started slowly in 2016 but recovered to become the most feared bat in the Dodgers lineup, slugging 27 home runs, accompanied by an .832 OPS. A clubhouse leader, the Dodgers resigned Turner for four years, $64 million during the off-season.

While Turner is expected to return later this week, though the Dodgers are in danger of reprising last season’s glut of injuries that led to a Major League record of 28 players on the disabled list. Adrian Gonzalez has been sidelined the majority of the spring with a strained elbow though he recently appeared in the lineup and plans to play for Mexico in the World Baseball Classic. Scott Kazmir, fighting for a spot in the pitching rotation, was sidelined with hip tightness after his last outing.

Andre Ethier, who missed nearly all of 2016, appeared healthy but left a game last week with back tightness. Andrew Toles, who will be competing with Ethier for the starting left field spot, has missed nearly a week with a hyper-extended knee. Additionally, bullpen stalwart Pedro Baez has been shut down the entire spring with a thumb injury suffered on a come-backer. Outfield power bat Trayce Thompson is still recovering from fractured vertebrae suffered last season, but should be ready to return this weekend.

This extensive injury list is secondary, however, if Corey Seager does not fully recover. Seager, the 2016 National League Rookie of the Year, has missed significant time in camp with a “tweaked back.” Though the injury was deemed minor, he has yet to rejoin the team in full workouts. The Dodgers are relying on Seager to improve upon his .877 OPS and 193 hits as the 22-year old continues to develop. Seager finished third last season in the National League MVP race.

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Though the injuries may bring a sense of déjà vu to Dodgers fans, they can rest assured that they have manager Dave Roberts in the dugout. Roberts deftly managed through the litany of injuries in 2016, taking National League manager of the year honors in leading the club to the National League championship series.