Dodgers' Andre Ethier leaves game after crashing into outfield fence [Updated]
Dodgers right fielder Andre Ethier was removed from the game with the Chicago White Sox on Sunday after he crashed into the outfield fence trying to make a catch.
His condition was not immediately known, but Ethier -- who had a 30-game hitting streak earlier this season -- was visibly shaken and limping after the play at U.S. Cellular Field.
Ethier was trying to catch a ball hit by former Dodger Juan Pierre in the fourth inning when he ran into the fence at nearly full stride. The ball fell to the ground and Pierre had a double.
One out later, Dodgers Manager Don Mattingly sent Tony Gwynn Jr. out to replace Ethier, who walked back to the Dodgers dugout under his own power.
Dodgers catcher Rod Barajas also might have injured one of his hands in the inning when Pierre tagged up on Paul Konerko's fly ball and raced to home plate -- and into Barajas -- just ahead of Matt Kemp's throw from center field.
As the Dodgers came to bat in the top of the fifth inning, back-up catcher Dioner Navarro pinch hit for Barajas and replaced him behind the plate.
[Updated at 1:15 p.m.: The Dodgers told reporters in the sixth inning that Ethier suffered unspecified injuries to one of his toes and his back, and that Barajas indeed suffered an injury to his right wrist. No further details were immediately available.]
The Dodgers were trailing the White Sox, 6-1, after 5 1/2 innings.
[Updated at 1:59 p.m: Later in the game it was announced that Ethier had a bruised right elbow and a bruised lower right back. He also had a sprained left big toe, but an X-ray was negative. Barajas had a sprained right wrist, but his X-ray also was negative and his availability was listed as day to day.]
RELATED:
Jerry Sands hits his first major league home run
Suspect in Dodger Stadium beating of Bryan Stow is in custody
-- Jim Peltz in Chicago
Photo: Dodgers right fielder Andre Ethier reacts after striking out in the first inning Sunday against the White Sox. Credit: Nam Y. Huh / Associated Press
We're already owners of the 4th worst record in baseball. This might give us just the boost we need to make it those last three spots.
Posted by: Labeldude | 05/22/2011 at 01:15 PM
We can only hope, but with this bunch of Non Stars, I think we can do it!
Posted by: TonyOJay | 05/22/2011 at 03:41 PM
"Dodgers right fielder Andre Ethier was removed from the game with the Chicago White Sox on Sunday."
- he needs a rest after all he went through today - I had to get an aspirin myself aft watching him come out on the short end his losing battles vs pitcher, fencing and expectation.
Get well slappy...
Posted by: 16blows | 05/22/2011 at 04:25 PM
Well, if we lose Ethier and Barajas to the DL, it will just give the INJURY BUG supporters more fodder for their cannons. And thus, make it easier to overlook the real problem. This team as constructed by Ned Colletti under the McCourt ownership is just NOT A GOOD TEAM. And, when you bring in a bunch of older, over the hill has beens and never weres, what can you realistically expect but injuries. Therefore, alot of the injury bug can be linked to Neds acquisitions. Frank has already stated that this is the type of players we can expect even if money wasn't an issue. Yeah, so he can keep siphoning of funds to fuel his and Jamies overly extravagant lifestyle. Leopards don't change their spots. I am hopeful Bud will seize our team and force a sale to a legitimate owner and Ned will be gone in the process. Only then can the Dodgers begin a resurgance and return to prominance instead of a cruel Frank and Ned joke.
Posted by: Jim | 05/23/2011 at 08:05 AM