The Los Angeles Dodgers have decided to shut down All-Star outfielder Andre Ethier for the rest of the season. Ethier has been dealing with lingering knee problems.
Ethier has dealt with discomfort in his right knee for the past two seasons. The injury has taken a toll on Ethier’s production. While his average and OBP have remained around his career marks, his slugging has taken a large dip this season.
Ethier had averaged just under 25 home runs a season from 2008-10, but this year the slugger has only been able to muster 11 dingers.
After dealing with some discomfort during the 2010 season, Ethier looked into having the knee operated on last winter. He ultimately decided against the surgery, hoping to instead rehab the knee back to health. But the problems have persisted and actually gotten worse as the season’s progressed.
The injury gained attention when, late last month, Ethier told reporters that the injury would only get worse from this point on, but because he keeps getting put in the lineup what else can he do but play?
LA didn’t take the comments too kindly, as manager Don Mattingly came out soon after to say that he had not been playing Ethier against his will.
Ethier also released a statement saying it was ultimately his decision to play or not to play.
While the injury was evident, it was also something that Ethier could play through. With the season coming to an end, the Dodgers have decided to shut down Ethier, not because time off will fix his knee problems, but so he can get a jump start on the possible rehab or surgery that is in store for him this winter.
Ethier will meet today with Dr. James Andrews for a second opinion on his knee, and he and club will likely decide on a path to recovery based on the outcome.
On the year, Ethier has hit at a clip of .292/.368/.421 with 11 home runs, 30 doubles and 62 RBI’s in his 135 games played.
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