Dodger outfielder Xavier Paul got some disappointing news today, as he is out for the rest of the season with a neck injury, per Ramona Shelburne of ESPN Los Angeles:
↵↵↵"It's disappointing. As a player you want to play through it, because you feel like you can play through it. But I'm not a doctor and if the doctors think it's better to rest then that's what I should do."
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The 25-year-old Paul had a solid season in Triple A Albquerque this season, hitting .325 with 20 doubles and 12 home runs in 57 games. He had a minor league on-base percentage of .384 and a slugging percentage of .579 this year. He was called up to the Dodgers on three separate occasions this season, but struggled, hitting .231 in 44 games with a .277 on-base percentage and .314 slugging percentage. He was considered a lock to be called up as soon as this week, as active roster limits have expanded from 25 to 40.
↵Paul battled injuries in 2009 as well. He was recalled from Triple A when Manny Ramirez was suspended for 50 games, but soon developed a skin infection and then injured his left ankle during rehab, and Paul missed the remainder of the season.
↵The former fourth-round pick in 2003 has amassed 885 plate appearances in Triple A, and will be out of options next year so the Dodgers would have to keep him on the major league roster or expose him to waivers and risk losing him. Paul is a candidate for the open left field spot next season.