Dodgers: Alex Verdugo Experiences Setback in Rehab
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told the media on Wednesday that Alex Verdugo has suffered a setback in his rehab and will end his stint with the Rookie League Ogden Raptors, according to Jorge Castillo of the Los Angeles Times.
Alex Verdugo is experiencing soreness in a lingering back issue. #Dodgers are pivoting from his rehab assignment with @ogdenraptors.
— Alanna Rizzo (@alannarizzo) September 4, 2019
Verdugo has been on the shelf with an oblique injury that has already kept him out longer than initially anticipated and he now adds in a back issue to the list. The 23-year-old rookie outfielder has not played with the Dodgers since August 4.
A video surfaced of Alex Verdugo playing with the Ogden Raptors where he appeared to injure himself. We now know that there is some substance to it:
Looks like Alex Verdugo hurt himself on a swing. Walked, was skipping like a leg was hurting, then left the game. pic.twitter.com/tSd2yiZQkx
— Eric Schulz (@TheBrandCop) September 3, 2019
This is obviously not the news the Dodgers wanted to hear as the postseason approaches. This most recent development certainly clouds the ability to make an accurate judgment on whether or not Verdugo will be available come playoff time. Not good to hear.
Verdugo has been a lineup mainstay this season for the Dodgers in his rookie season and they miss his offense at the top of the order. In the meantime, AJ Pollock will man left field, Cody Bellinger will play center field — where Verdugo should fill in upon his return — and Joc Pederson will continue to be in a right field platoon.
Before Verdugo went down, he was excellent, posting a .294 batting average and .817 on-base plus slugging across 107 games of play. He also accumulated 3.1 bWAR in the process.
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