The depleted infield of the Los Angeles Dodgers is about to get even more depleted. Third baseman Casey Blake is out of the lineup again Wednesday, for the third straight day. However, the problem is much more serious than originally thought, and Blake might end up on the disabled list for the second time this season. Per Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times:
Blake was admitted to a Miami-area hospital early Tuesday morning with a fever, confirming the Dodgers’ fears that his swollen left elbow is infected. Manager Don Mattingly said he was told by trainer Stan Conte that Blake could be sidelined for four weeks.
Blake began the season on the disabled list with inflammation in his lower back. However, since his return Blake has started only 14 of 21 games, with a combination of regular rest and minor injuries that tend to befall a 37-year old player. Blake has been the Dodgers' third-best hitter this season, hitting .321/.446/.509, and had reached base in 15 of his previous 26 plate appearances.
If Blake is placed on the disabled list, it is likely that the Dodgers would call up another infielder to take his place. Russ Mitchell is the only other infielder on the 40-man roster that isn't already on the team or on the disabled list. Shortstop Rafael Furcal has been on the DL with a broken thumb since April 12.
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