Dodgers News: Hector Olivera Again Sidelined By Hamstring Issue

The Los Angeles Dodgers and Hector Olivera agreed upon a $62.5 million contract in May, so naturally, the club wants to protect their investment.

On June 23, playing with Triple-A Oklahoma City, Olivera went down with a hamstring injury. He was placed on the seven-day disabled list and sent to rehab at the Dodgers’ Camelback Ranch Spring Training facility.

After recovering and advancing to play six games with the Arizona League Dodgers, Olivera hasn’t suited up since July 13. Although a setback in some sense, Dodgers general manager Farhan Zaidi isn’t overly concerned, according to Bill Plunkett of the OC Register:

Dodgers GM Farhan Zaidi didn’t characterize it as a re-injury but “a re-aggravation.”

Meanwhile Dodgers director of player development Gabe Kapler provided a positive update on Olivera’s status, via Ken Gurnick of MLB.com:

Hector is doing great,” said Kapler. “He’s recovering beautifully, running to increase speed and stride length. Working his tail off. Taking swings off the tee and looks strong and fluid.”

With Justin Turner, Alberto Callaspo, and Alex Guerrero all able to play third base, the Dodgers more than have ample depth to allow Olivera to not rush through his recovery. In seven games with OKC, the 30-year-old Cuban native slashed .387/.387/.581 with one RBI and five runs scored.

During the six games Olivera spent with the AZL Dodgers, he batted .313 with one double and two walks in 18 plate appearances.

Although Olivera has walked only five times in 19 Minor League games, he has only struck out nine times in 74 plate appearances. As for his glove, Oliver has committed one error in 101 innings played at third base, but three errors in 34 innings at second base.

Don Mattingly Says Hector Olivera Needs More Playing Time