MESA -- Andre Ethier returns to the Dodgers lineup on Tuesday after being held out on Monday with a right hand contusion. But a pair of teammates continue to nurse injuries as Howie Kendrick and Alex Guerrero aren't yet ready to return to the lineup.
Ethier was held out Monday as a precaution, but was still able to participate in all drills, including hitting. But he originally wasn't in the Dodgers lineup on Tuesday against the Cubs. Guerrero, dealing with right knee soreness, was slated as the designated hitter but was a morning scratch a few hours before the team bus left for Sloan Park in Mesa.
"[Guerrero] said he could go out there and play, but where we're at right now where Dre feels really good and wants to be in there, we want to give [Guerrero] the extra day," manager Dave Roberts said on Tuesday morning.
Guerrero was able to take part in hitting and fielding drills during morning workouts, but Kendrick was completely shut down for the day.
Kendrick has been dealing with right groin soreness since Sunday, though it hasn't gotten to the point where any MRI exams have been scheduled.
"He feels a little bit better today, but if you're talking about the groin area I just want to be more cautious," Roberts said. "As much as I'd like to get him out there, and as much as he'd like to be out there, if there is any kind of tentativeness from the player, it answers my question and makes my job easier."
Kendrick will be reassessed on Wednesday.
Ethier is the designated hitter for the Dodgers on Tuesday, batting cleanup against the Cubs. He is 2-for-4 so far in Cactus League play, with his other two starts coming in left field.
Clayton Kershaw starts for the Dodgers, making his second start of the spring. A three-inning outing seems likely for Kershaw, who threw two scoreless frames in his first outing last Thursday against the White Sox.
Other Dodgers pitchers scheduled to throw behind Kershaw are Joe Blanton, Carlos Frias, Pedro Baez and Jacob Rhame. In addition, three pitchers made the trip from minor league camp - Red Patterson (No. 93) and lefties Grant Dayton (84) and Dustin Richardson (93).
Kyle Hendricks starts for the Cubs. Others slated to pitch for Chicago include Spencer Patton, Armando Rivero and Travis Wood.