Andre Ethier could be limited to pinch hitting duty in NLDS

LOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers don't have Andre Ethier for the regular season finale against the Rockies, and they won't see him until Tuesday's workout. His status for the NLDS remains in question, though he could likely make the 25-man roster, even if only as a pinch hitter.

"I would lean toward letting him play, but I could lean either way and it wouldn't matter," said manager Don Mattingly. "We really have to see what he can do."

Ethier is nursing a sore ankle, and has one plate appearance since Sept. 13. He is currently in Arizona getting at-bats in simulated game situations, roughly 10-15 per day, and will do so through Monday. He will rejoin the team for Tuesday morning's workout at Dodger Stadium.

"He's making progress, but I don't know if he's going to be like Dre and all of a sudden be healed," Mattingly said. "I don't know if he'll run the bases or not. It depends on what we're willing to do. Are we willing to say Dre is only a pinch hitter? Is that going to be enough for us?"

NLDS rosters are due Thursday morning, and it might take until then to decide on Ethier. As for the other decisions, Mattingly is tight-lipped. He wouldn't commit to a fourth starter, and said Edinson Volquez remains in play to make the roster, either as a starter or in relief.

"We're still having discussions," Mattingly said. "We're open to looking at our roster, looking at the best way to use everyone."

The Dodgers found a way to not use Paco Rodriguez on Sunday, as he is in Arizona for the birth of his child.

Game info

Time: 1:10 p.m.

TV: Prime Ticket

MLB Gameday