Dodgers News: Carl Crawford Scheduled To Begin Rehab Assignment
During May and early June the Los Angeles Dodgers’ disabled list was made up of several starters and key contributors. Among them were Pedro Baez, Carl Crawford, Brandon League and Yasiel Puig.
Baez and Puig have since returned, League is nearing his, and now so too is Crawford. According to Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times, Crawford is set begin a rehab assignment this week:
Carl Crawford expected to start playing games for Class-A Rancho Cuncamonga this week. Took live BP this weekend.
— Dylan Hernandez (@dylanohernandez) June 28, 2015
Crawford tore his oblique back in April and was transferred to the 60-day disabled list after initially being placed on the 15-day DL. He hit .245/.260/.408 in just 15 games played prior to going down with the injury.
In his absence Alex Guerrero and Scott Van Slyke largely handled left field duties, with Andre Ethier sliding over upon Puig’s return. As part of a crowded outfield, it doesn’t appear Crawford will return in the same capacity before being sidelined.
Dodgers manager Don Mattingly recently stated Ethier will remain the starter in left field even once Crawford is activated from the disabled list. In 71 games this season Ethier is slashing .260/.340/.457 with nine home runs and 27 RBIs.
Ethier’s success and Mattingly’s comments shouldn’t necessarily dismiss the idea of Crawford potentially regaining the starting spot. He’s historically hit better August through October throughout his career and could provide the Dodgers with a speed threat once his legs are back under him.
[divide]Jimmy Rollins On Difficulty Of 10-Game Road Trip
It is going to force their hand on trading one of these guys. Just not enough playing time for all of them.
It seems like every day, I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop. The only season, I remember that the potential drama off the field, is just as distracting as what has been happening on the field. Just curious to see what FAZ does during the July edition of the Winter Meetings. I know you wouldn’t be surprised if the opposite of what you’re suggesting happens at all…And if it does, I hope you have your blood pressure meds handy…Myself, I’ve spent my whole life, trying to refrain from saying,”would of, could of and should of.” This isn’t helping.