Dodgers Rumors: Latest injuries will lead to a lineup restructure

With first baseman Adrian Gonzalez scheduled to have an MRI on his herniated back today, the latest Dodgers rumors entail a lineup restructure, starting in Cleveland.

In what seems to be a reoccurring thing from the last two seasons, yet another Dodger player may be slated for a DL stint. According to Dodgers rumors, this may cause a ripple effect in the lineup.

Adrian Gonzalez said that his back “started locking up” on Saturday after a few awkward swings versus the Cincinnati Reds. Manager Dave Roberts removed him from the lineup and he did not play again in Sunday’s win.

If the MRI shows any damage – specifically to his herniated disk – the Dodgers are likely going to shift Rookie of the Year candidate Cody Bellinger to his natural position to replace Gonzalez.

If Gonzalez goes on the DL, it would represent the beginning of a domino effect in the Dodgers’ lineup. The left field slot, currently being manned capably by Bellinger, would shift to either Chris Taylor or Joc Pederson.

Pederson, a natural center fielder, is rehabbing from a neck injury in AAA Oklahoma City. Though the 25-year old Pederson was projected to have a breakthrough season, he was hitting .200 with two home runs at the time of his injury and was in danger of being demoted due to performance. Currently, Pederson is hitting well for Oklahoma City, which may bode fortuitously for the big league club.

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Taylor is a revelation for the Dodgers this season. The natural infielder has filled in nearly everywhere for the club, most recently as the everyday center fielder. He is slugging .497 in a career-high 175 plate appearances while hitting anywhere from leadoff to eighth in the lineup.

Gonzalez, who landed on the disabled list for the first time in his career with a bevy of maladies in early May, most often bats in the cleanup spot.

If he does return to the DL, the Dodgers would likely have Justin Turner bat fourth. Corey Seager would bat third, and Taylor and Chase Utley would likely own the top two spots in the order.

While on the surface Gonzalez’ injury may bet unsettling, remember that it was Joc Pederson’s injury that led to Bellinger’s arrival. Then Andrew Toles suffered a torn ACL, rendering him out for the season, allowing Bellinger to further cement his place in the big leagues.

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Overall, these Dodgers rumors may be concerning and the thought of a lineup shuffle may spark some nerves. However, with the past in mind, Dodger fans should look at this situation with the glass half full, not half empty.