There’s a first time for everything. In this case, five-time All-Star Adrian Gonzalez will be relegated to the first disabled list stint in his 14-year career.
According to True Blue L.A.’s Eric Stephen, Gonzalez was placed on the 10-day D.L. due to elbow soreness. This makes room to activate outfielder Joc Pederson, who will return after missing 10 games with a groin strain injury.
“He’s not 100%,” manager Dave Roberts said in an interview Tuesday. “With that right forearm area, and the back, you’re talking about torque, you’re talking about extension. When those are compromised, it’s tough to be consistent.”
The 34-year-old is slashing a .255/.327/.309 line with 24 hits this season. He hasn’t hit a ball over the fence yet.
This could mean Dodgers fans get to see a little more of Cody Bellinger than they were anticipating. Earlier in the week, Roberts had mentioned, even following a two-run home run game last week, the plan to send Bellinger back to Triple-A wouldn’t be impacted.
He should take over responsibilities at first base in Gonzalez’s absence.
Roberts said Bellinger's 2-HR game probably won't impact #Dodgers plan to send him back to AAA when DL clears.
— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) April 30, 2017
Shaikin’s D.L. tweet was in regards to Pederson and Logan Forsythe. Forsythe, however, left his rehab game Wednesday with High-A Rancho Cucamonga once again with “lingering tightness in his hamstring.”