Dodgers’ Andre Ethier held out of lineup against Rockies
Reporting from Denver — Andre Ethier, who had the ingrown portion of a toenail removed Friday, was held out of the lineup for the opening game of a three-game series against the Colorado Rockies.
Dodgers Manager Don Mattingly downplayed the severity of Ethier’s condition, saying he expected his All-Star right fielder to be starting Saturday.
“I don’t look at this as an injury,†Mattingly said.
But it was enough to hinder Ethier’s ability to run and prompted his eighth-inning removal from a victory in Milwaukee on Thursday.
The ingrown nail, which was on the big toe of Ethier’s right foot, was cut by Rockies medical director Tom Noonan. The toe became infected and required an injection.
“He can play,†Dodgers trainer Stan Conte said.
Mattingly said he considered starting Ethier on Friday, but decided to give him a day of rest.
Ethier had a 30-game hitting streak early in the season and made his second consecutive All-Star appearance, but has hit a modest .248 with one home run and seven runs batted in since the midseason intermission.
Jansen making progress
Reliever Kenley Jansen, who spent three weeks on the disabled list recovering from an irregular heartbeat, has completed his course of treatment.
No longer on blood-thinning medication, Jansen will be able to pitch for Class-A Rancho Cucamonga on Sunday as part of a minor league rehabilitation assignment. He is scheduled to pitch for Rancho Cucamonga again Tuesday and is expected to be activated for the start of the Dodgers’ Aug. 26 home game against the Rockies.
Mattingly defends Velez
Called up from triple-A Albuquerque on Independence Day, utility man Eugenio Velez went into the series against the Rockies batting .000.
Mattingly defended the Dodgers’ decision to carry a player who was 0 for 21 heading into Friday.
“You like Eugenio’s tools,†Mattingly said. “He runs really well. I know he hasn’t gotten any hits, but he’s had some pretty good at-bats. … He can play basically anywhere in the infield. He can play in the outfield. He can pinch-run.â€
Mattingly acknowledged that Velez wouldn’t be in the majors if not for the injuries to Dee Gordon, Casey Blake and Juan Uribe, as well as the departure of Rafael Furcal.
“Those guys are all here and Eugenio would not be here,†Mattingly said. “But I like the kid. You see the tools. He works hard. He’s a good teammate.â€
Short hops
Outfielder Alfredo Silverio hit for the cycle Thursday for double-A Chattanooga, as he had a home run, two triples, a double and a single. Silverio, 24, played for the World Team at the All-Star Futures game. … Blake missed his second consecutive game with shoulder pain.
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