Dodgers Shut Down Ethier
CBS Sports
Matt Snyder
Dodgers right fielder Andre Ethier has been shut down for the rest of the season with a knee injury.
Ethier has been battling a lingering knee injury for much of the second half of the season and has said that he'll need surgery to repair it in the offseason. A few weeks ago, Ethier seemed to indicate he wanted to be shut down but the Dodgers were forcing him to play. Of course, the next day he said that it was his choice to keep playing. So it was hard to tell what was really going on.
But the knee injury is why Ethier's season is over now, as he looks to be ready in time for the 2012 season.
"I'm just trying to figure this whole thing out right now and figure out a way to get it better where it won't affect me for spring training," Ethier said, via the Associated Press.
This puts an end to a season with huge hills and valleys for Ethier. He opened by dominating headlines in late April/early May when he ran up a 30-game hitting streak. He also complained about the Dodgers ownership situation, amidst whispers he wants to play for the Red Sox. He made the All-Star team in July. Then his season unraveled statistically as he dealt with the knee issues.
Ethier, 29, is headed to visit Dr. James Andrews for an examination, but reports from Los Angeles indicated arthroscopic surgery is likely.
The season does end on a relatively high note for Ethier, as he went 2-5 with four RBI in a 7-3 Dodgers win Tuesday night. He closed with a .292 average, 11 home runs, 62 RBI, 30 doubles and a .789 OPS.
