PHOENIX _ Outfielder Andre Ethier, who has been on the disabled list all season, is now dealing with a "neck thing," which could limit his usage when the Los Angeles Dodgers activate him this weekend, manager Dave Roberts said.
Ethier sustained a herniated a disk in his back in March. He did not appear in a game until beginning a rehabilitation assignment on Aug. 12. He has been held out of the triple-A Oklahoma City lineup the last few days because of the neck issue, Roberts said.
Roberts was unsure about the nature of Ethier's injury _ how it affects him, how he sustained it _ but did say Ethier is still expected to meet the team in San Diego on Friday.
"I know that it's important for him to get at-bats," Roberts said. "And this hasn't helped the situation. But Andre will be prepared. I know that."
Ethier missed the first five months of 2016 after suffering a broken leg during spring training. He contributed as a hitter off the bench in October. The Dodgers have projected a similar role for Ethier during these playoffs.
Roberts had hoped to play Ethier in the field in September.
"Do I plan on running him out there for three days in a row? No," Roberts said. "But I think that Andre wants to be as healthy as possible, and still wants to have those repetitions in the batter's box."
