Dodgers Injuries Mounting

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

Though the injection is considered proactive and preventative, there is anxiety as the red-headed third baseman had micro fracturesurgeryon the same knee after the 2015 season. Amicro fracturesurgery is considered minimally invasive – tiny holes are drilled to allow blood into an area to replace missing cartilage. Following the surgery, Turner startedslowlyin 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 DodgersresignedTurner 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’sglutof injuries that led to a Major Leaguerecordof 28 players on the disabled list. Adrian Gonzalez has been sidelined themajorityof the spring with a strained elbow though he recently appeared in the lineup and plans to play forMexicoin the World Baseball Classic. Scott Kazmir, fighting for a spot in the pitchingrotation, was sidelined withhiptightness after his last outing.

Andre Ethier, who missed nearly all of 2016, appeared healthy but left a game last week withbacktightness. Andrew Toles, who will be competing with Ethier for the starting left field spot, has missed nearly a week with a hyper-extendedknee. Additionally, bullpen stalwart Pedro Baez has been shut down the entire spring with athumbinjury suffered on a come-backer. Outfield power bat Trayce Thompson is still recovering from fractured vertebrae suffered last season, but should be ready toreturnthis 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 “tweakedback.” 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 LeagueMVPrace.

Next: Rams Sign Andrew Whitworth

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 Leaguemanagerof the year honors in leading the club to the National League championship series.

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