Earlier today it was reported that Andre Ethier was expected to miss a good portion of the 2016 MLB season due to a fractured leg. The Los Angeles Dodgers confirmed that news not too long ago.
Ethier, 33, will miss 10-14 weeks after fouling a ball off his right shin during last Friday's spring training game. The veteran fractured his right tibia following the incident, but the good news is that the injury will not require surgery.
Initial X-Rays were negative, but a follow up CT scan showed the fracture. No surgery will be needed. Expected recovery time is 10-14 weeks.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) March 22, 2016
The slugger rebounded during the 2015 season after a career-worst campaign in 2014. He batted .294/.366/.486 with 54 runs scored, 14 home runs and 53 RBI in 142 games (395 at-bats). He earned more playing time in the Dodgers' crowded outfield thanks to his consistent play and he was headed in the same direction this spring as manager Dave Roberts had been pleased with his progress.
However, now the Dodgers will have less controversy in the outfield as Roberts said Carl Crawford and Scott Van Slyke will get a bulk of the reps in left field during Ethier's absence. Youngster Trayce Thompson may also see more playing time after coming over in a trade with the Chicago White Sox earlier this offseason.
Crawford, who will earn over $21 million in 2016, was slated to be a part-time player in 2016, which was perhaps a distracting topic of discussion for the team.
Still, this is terrible news for Los Angeles as the club can't seem to avoid injuries this spring. Ethier is just the latest casualty of a litany of ailments as he joins Brett Anderson (back surgery), Hyun-Jin Ryu (shoulder soreness), Corey Seager (sprained knee), Frankie Montas (rib surgery), Yasmani Grandal (shoulder, forearm) and Josh Ravin (broken radial bone). Brandon McCarthy also won't be ready until at least the middle of the year as he recovers from Tommy John surgery.
These injuries will serve as a testament to the team's depth as the odds have already been stacked against the Dodgers. Luckily the front office ensured to acquire and maintain a surplus of outfielders and pitchers over the past two offseasons, or else the club would be in a world of trouble as Opening Day nears.
Many will now be speculating as to whom will take Ethier's spot on the Opening Day roster.
Stay tuned for updates.
