Major League Baseball

Dodgers lose SS Gordon for 6 weeks

Published Jul. 5, 2012 1:00 a.m. ET

share

facebookxredditlink

foxsports

Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Dee Gordon has a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right thumb that will require surgery, and he's expected to miss six weeks.

Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said before Thursday's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks that doctors expect Gordon to make a full recovery. Gordon, injured Wednesday night sliding head-first into third base on a steal attempt against Cincinnati, had an MRI earlier Thursday and arrived to the clubhouse with a cast over his right hand.

Surgery was scheduled for Friday in the Phoenix area.

''He's a little scared, a little bummed out,'' Mattingly said. ''I feel bad for the kid. He came in and apologized to me (Wednesday) night. It's just tough. He's going to be fine.''

Gordon, 24, is in his first full season as the Dodgers' starting shortstop. He's batting .229, but leads the National League with 30 stolen bases.

Pitcher Javy Guerra, who was on the 15-day disabled list with right knee inflammation since June 4, will replace Gordon on the active roster and was to be activated in time for Thursday's game.

The Dodgers had utilityman Elian Herrera starting in left field Thursday as the leadoff hitter, the spot Gordon has predominantly held in the order this season. Recent callup Luis Cruz was in at shortstop, and Mattingly said he will be used there along with Herrera, Jerry Hairston Jr. and possibly Juan Uribe while Gordon is out.

''We have a combination of guys that I feel pretty comfortable about,'' Mattingly said. ''Offense for us should be a priority somewhere. Right now, we're in that mode up to the (All-Star break) where we've just got to scratch and fight for every win we can get.''

The Dodgers were 46-37 and leading the NL West by a half-game over the San Francisco Giants entering Thursday's game.

Gordon joins a lengthy list of Dodgers players who are sidelined, including star outfielders Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier, both of whom Mattingly hopes to have back soon after next week's All-Star game.

share

Get more from Major League Baseball Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic

Major League Baseball