:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/799908/GYI0060731636.jpg)
The Los Angeles Dodgers have placed right fielder Andre Ethier on the disabled list and activated second baseman Mark Ellis, the team has announced.
OFFICIAL: @Dodgers today placed OF Andre Ethier on the 15-day DL w/ a strained left oblique (retroactive to 6/28) and reinstated Mark Ellis.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) July 4, 2012
Ethier, who has already been sidelined a week with the rib injury, told Jim Peltz of the LA Times that the move was precautionary and that his recovery is going as planned. Manager Don Mattingly said that he expects Ethier to return by July 13, the first game following the All-Star Break, and that it's unlikely he'll need a rehab stint.
The 30-year-old outfielder is hitting .291/.357/.491 on the year with 10 home runs.
Taking Ethier's spot on the active roster in the meantime is second baseman Mark Ellis, who has been out since March 19 with a freak leg injury that needed emergency surgery. Ellis, 35, is hitting .273/.373/.364 in 37 games this season.
________________________________________________________________
Will Ethier's move to the DL spur a big trade by the Dodgers?
________________________________________________________________