Dodgers Injury Update

Apr 9, 2016; San Francisco, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Scott Van Slyke (33) adjusts his shoe in the dugout before the game against the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Kenny Karst-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2016; San Francisco, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Scott Van Slyke (33) adjusts his shoe in the dugout before the game against the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Kenny Karst-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Dodgers announced some changes to the DL this morning.

Joining the lineup today for the first time this season is Howie Kendrick. Kendrick had a few rehab assignments with Dodgers affiliate High A team in Rancho Cucamonga, California. He will be batting fifth and playing second in today’s Home Opener.

Also announced today, Yasmani Grandal has been activated and came off the disabled list for the Dodgers. He too had a few rehab starts in Rancho and is expected to be in the starting lineup tomorrow. Grandal will add some more stability and flexibility to the catching position which has primarily been occupied by A.J. Ellis this season and a few starts from Austin Barnes.

However, it was not all good news for the Dodgers this morning as Scott Van Slyke is headed to the disabled list. Just like the Dodgers luck to finally have two players come off the DL and moments later add another player to it. Van Slyke got the start last Saturday when the Dodgers were facing lefty, Madison Bumgarner. In the third inning he came up to the plate and took an awkward swing at a pitch he missed. The next pitch after that hit Van Slyke on the arm and he took first base, but seemed to be in a lot of pain so Dave Roberts removed him and put in Joc Pederson as a pinch runner. The Dodgers announced today that Van Slyke will be headed to the 15 day DL because of that awkward swing and some back pain.

With the addition of Van Slyke on the DL, the Dodgers now have three outfielders on the bench: Carl Crawford, Andre Ethier and Van Slyke. Once again injuries have plagued the outfield so far in 2016. Roberts has mentioned possibly having Kendrick take some reps out in left field since he is healthy now. The injuries also open the door to Trayce Thompson who will be getting more playing time now. Thompson has a lot of potential and I think if he is given consistent AB’s and playing time that he can really step up for the Dodgers. History seems to be repeating itself as injuries are the center of conversation for the team.