Dodgers NLCS Game 2 Notes: Andre Ethier Out, Hanley Questionable
After a tough 13 inning loss last night, the Dodgers and Cardinals will have at it again this afternoon. Andre Ethier made his return to the lineup last night, but after a long night in center field, he wasn’t in the lineup.
Ethier reported some soreness in his ankle as Skip Schumaker will take over for him in center field. Making his first start since September 13, Ethier notched a single in his first at-bat, but finished the night 1-5 and was removed in a double switch.
Here’s what Don Mattingly said to Jayson Stark of ESPN.com about Ethier’s availability today:
Mattingly said Ethier should be available to pinch-hit or double-switch later in the game.
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) October 12, 2013
In the third inning, Ethier showed his rust in the field as he couldn’t catch up to a Carlos Beltran home run, but it would’ve been a spectacular catch had it made it. It sounds like Ethier plans on being in the lineup on Monday for Game 3 and it’s good to hear that he could enter the game today.
However, the news doesn’t sound too good for Dodgers star Hanley Ramirez as he was hit in the ribs during the first inning by a 96 mph fastball from Joe Kelly.
Hanley was in obvious pain right after being hit and according to Mattingly, he might not stay in the starting lineup according to Dylan Hernandez of the LA Times:
Hanley Ramirez (bruised ribs) in the #Dodgers lineup for now but will be a game-time decision.
— Dylan Hernandez (@dylanohernandez) October 12, 2013
Already without Matt Kemp, the Dodgers can ill afford to have Hanley out coupled together with Ethier not starting. We’ll obviously know more about Hanley’s status right before game-time, but hopefully Hanley can play through the pain.
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In case you missed it, here’s what Don Mattingly said ahead of the NLCS on Wednesday.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmaaF7aTOxI
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