Dodgers: Five players on the bubble for the postseason roster
By Jason Reed
OF Andre Ethier
Andre Ethier is another veteran that is loved by the Dodgers fan base, yet because of injury history, is not a lock to make the postseason roster. Ethier is the longest tenured Dodger as he has called Chavez Ravine his home his entire career dating back to 2006. At one point, Ethier was the face of the Dodgers and one of the best players in the league, now, even some Dodger fans forget he is on the team.
That is because Ethier has played in just 32 combined games the last two seasons. Battling a multitude of injuries, Ethier has seen more time in the Dodgers dugout watching the action rather than taking part in it. However, we saw this same narrative last season. Ethier returned around the same time and made the postseason roster.
Quite frankly, I think we will see Ethier suiting up in Dodger blue during October this season as well. Ethier has hit the ball well in limited plate appearances since coming back from injury, hitting .320 in 25 at-bats. Of Ethier’s eight hits since returning, three of which are extra base hits with two being home runs.
It is apparent that Ethier does have some pop still left in his bat and may be a more reliable left-handed option than Curtis Granderson. While manager Dave Roberts has been giving the nod to Granderson more times than not, if the Dodgers extend Ethier’s leash they will reap the benefits.
Verdict: Makes postseason roster