Dodgers News: Adrian Gonzalez Removed After Being Hit By Pitch
After splitting the first two games of the series, the Los Angeles Dodgers looked to improve their home record by taking Sunday’s rubber match against the New York Mets. While Dodgers manager Don Mattingly inserted plenty right-handed bats into the lineup, Adrian Gonzalez was among two left-handed hitters to start and face Mets rookie Steven Matz.
Mike Bolsinger was on the bump for the Dodgers, and he quickly fell in a hole as he allowed three hits in the first inning that led to a 1-0 lead for the Mets. Kiké Hernandez led off the bottom of the first with a base hit and Matz put Adrian Gonzalez on base with two outs by hitting the first baseman with a pitch.
The ball, clocked at 95 MPH appeared to strike Gonzalez on his right forearm, though he remained in the game. However, Gonzalez’s next time up was in the fourth inning and he was pinch-hit for by Alex Guerrero with the Dodgers trailing 4-0.
Guerrero struck out on three pitches and remained in the game the following inning, playing left field. Scott Van Slyke moved from left to first base. Gonzalez entered Sunday’s game batting .291/.364/.518 with 15 home runs, 23 doubles and 50 RBIs. Additionally, he’d hit a home run in each of the last two games.
It was later announced Gonzalez exited with a right hand contusion. No further details were provided at the time. The Dodgers’ next day off is July 13 when the All-Star break begins.
[divide]Adrian Gonzalez On Approach To Hitting
