Did you watch the Dodgers game last night? Luckily, it was one of the final Tuesday night games of the season that were broadcast over local channel, KTLA. This allowed just about every Los Angeles resident to bypass the ridiculous Dodgers TV blackout and gave them the opportunity to watch long-time Dodgers hero, Adrian Gonzalez, start what turned out to be his last game of the 2017 season.
Gonzalez reported to work today with back tightness, which is likely related to the herniated disk that cost him two months of the season on the disabled list. After a meeting with Dave Roberts, it was decided – “mutually” – the best move would be to shut down Gonzalez for the last few games of the regular season and to leave him off the post-season roster.
Last night was Gonzo’s first start in a couple of weeks, and considering it turned out to be his last start, he went out with a bang. Gonzalez hit a long double, and in the seventh inning, this happened…
“Last night was such an emotional night, a special night. But coming in here today, the back tightened up. It’s obviously been his most difficult year of his career, very emotional for him to try to fight through it. Right now, as it stands, we’re going to shut him down so we don’t cause more damage. We’ll get him ready for next year, and expect him to respond to rest.” – Dodgers manager, Dave Roberts
This was undoubtedly Gonzalez’s most difficult season, as he missed most of 2017. First, with an inflamed elbow, and later, the back problems.
No one really expected Gonzalez to get more than one start (if that) in the post-season, but many were looking for Gonzalez to help the team in the playoffs with his experienced bat in a pinch-hitting role. He’s no longer the home run threat he once was, but he’s a prime example of a professional hitter – able to bring in RBIs with a well-placed single or double. There are also the intangibles of what his steady presence in the dugout could bring in a tight or tense playoff series.
The move to leave Gonzalez off the playoff roster will surely be welcomed by some, who see this development as an opportunity for Dave Roberts to cement Cody Bellinger at first base and free up a spot in the crowded outfield situation.
Gonzalez is expected to return in 2018 for the final year of his Dodgers contract, hopefully in complete health. For now, the mariachi have fallen silent at Chavez Ravine.
Oscar Martinez
I was born in the shadow of Dodger Stadium and immediately drenched in Dodger Blue. Chavez Ravine is my baseball cathedral, Vin Scully was the golden voice of summer all my life, and Tommy Lasorda remains the greatest Dodgers manager ever. My favorite things are coffee, beer, and the Dodgers beating the Giants. I also blog about my baseball card hobby at All Trade Bait, All the Time.
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You have to feel a little bad for Gonzo. But the writing has been on the wall since late April. He is no longer the regular first baseman on this team. Hopefully he will also recognize that fact and retire gracefully.
Chris Taylor hurt. Hope he just needs a few days off (he needed it anyways). Let’s clinch home field throughout the playoffs soon and see some Verdugo in Colorado.
Home field through out the NL playoffs already accomplished. 1 more win and it is all through the entire thing. Indians are 3 games back and could only tie if Dodgers get swept….
Sad. Was hoping Gonzo could get healthy and PH/DH in the playoffs. If anyone on the team deserved to get a WS clinching hit it would have been Gonzo or Ethier.
Jimbo
I agree, and I think Agone is very aware he isn’t the regular first baseman now, since he was the one that volunteely went out, so Cody could stay up and play first.
He is all class!