Fansided

Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez on DL for first time in career

By Brad Berreman

Apr 17, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez (23) hits a single during the seventh inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 17, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez (23) hits a single during the seventh inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Adrian Gonzalez has been incredibly durable throughout his career, but the Dodgers have been forced to put him on the disabled list.

Since sticking in the big leagues for good in 2006 with the San Diego Padres, Adrian Gonzalez has played in no less than 156 games in 11 straight seasons. He has also played in all 29 games the Los Angeles Dodgers have played this season despite an ongoing right forearm issue, a left triceps strain and the most recent news that he has aggravated a herniated disc in his back.

Gonzalez is off to a pretty slow start in 2017, as he has posted a .255/.327/.309 slash-line with zero home runs, five doubles and 11 RBI. Even with a decline from his peak in recent years, Gonzalez has some work to do to even get to his 2016 level (.285/.349/.435, 18 home runs, 90 RBI).

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said earlier this week he hadn’t discussed a possible disabled list stint with Gonzalez. But on Friday, that changed.

As Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times noted, Gonzalez will go on the disabled list for the first time in his career. In a corresponding move, outfielder Joc Pederson has been activated after being out since April 24 with a right groin strain.

Top prospect Cody Bellinger has mostly played left field since being called up on April 25, but he is now in line to take over for Gonzalez as the Dodgers’ everyday first baseman. The 21-year old has shown he belongs in the big leagues offensively, with a .303/.361/.576 slash-line, two home runs and five RBI over nine games (entering Friday).

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Gonzalez has technically been placed on the 10-day disabled list, but his various issues point to a longer absence than that. On Friday night against the Padres and starter Jhoulys Chacin, Bellinger is hitting fifth and Pederson is right behind hitting sixth in the Los Angeles lineup.

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