LOS ANGELES _ Dave Roberts left his office Sunday morning to see an unexpected sight. Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez was in the midst of a particularly vigorous round of batting practice at Dodger Stadium. It was the first time he had taken the field since being placed on the disabled list June 13 because of the herniated disk in his back.
"I was actually surprised at the effort he exerted," Roberts said before his team's series finale against the Atlanta Braves. "He hit some balls out of the ballpark, and he said he feels good. I think for him to get on the field and take batting practice is a good thing."
Gonzalez could start a rehabilitation assignment this week. Roberts suggested that how Gonzalez felt Monday, after a day's worth of exertion, was more important.
"He wants to show us that he's closer than we think," Roberts said. "That's good. That's what you want from a player."
The Dodgers do not intend to rush Gonzalez back onto the field. Cody Bellinger has replaced him at first base, and exceeded expectations. Gonzalez has homered only once in 165 at-bats, and has a career-worst .339 slugging percentage.
But if Gonzalez is healthy, the team would welcome him back. The Dodgers could shift Bellinger to left field and use Chris Taylor, the usual left fielder, at second base. The team has not revealed its plan for re-integrating Gonzalez into the lineup, but that would be one solution.
