Dodgers News: Hector Olivera Placed On DL; Heads To Arizona
Long-awaited Cuban infielder Hector Olivera no longer has a locker in Triple-A Oklahoma City, and no, he will not be joining the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Olivera was removed from the game on Saturday after running out a ground ball in the sixth inning. He has been placed on the seven-day disabled list, retroactive to Sunday by OKC. The infielder will be missed as he has performed very well through his first seven games.
According to Jacob Unruh of The Oklahoman, Olivera has been sent to Arizona to rehab:
Hector Olivera's locker is gone because he will be rehabbing his hamstring in Arizona. No timetable on return to Triple A.
— Jacob Unruh (@jacobunruh) June 23, 2015
A pulled hamstring certainly does not call for a player to be sent to extended spring training, but being that the Dodgers spent so much money on the 30-year-old, they would rather make sure he was ready before returning.
In his first 13 games (six in Double A, seven in Triple A), Olivera has hit .358 with two home runs and seven RBIs.
With Justin Turner surging at the moment, it is important for Olivera to get chances at other positions, but third base continues to be his best position. He has made three errors in 17 chances at second base and just one error in 25 chances at third.
On June 19, Olivera had his best game in Triple-A, going 4-for-5 with a home run, a triple, one RBI and totaled nine bases. While this feat was quite impressive, it was his second four-hit game that week. He has also struck out just three times in 31 at-bats.
While his future is still unclear, the Dodgers are obviously taking premium care of their expensive infielder. There is still no timetable set for the third baseman’s MLB debut, but the Dodgers can use an offensive spark, so he may arrive sooner rather than later.
Don Mattingly Says Hector Olivera Needs More Time
