Dodgers not rushing Corey Seager back

PHOENIX — Corey Seager is out of the Dodgers lineup for a fourth straight day on Tuesday after tweaking something in his back on a swing last week, but that much was planned. However, with Seager still a few days from a potential return to game action, manager Dave Roberts didn’t want to commit just yet to his shortstop returning Friday night against the Rangers.

“I don't want to say he's going to be in there on Friday, because we've taken these days already,” Roberts said. “That was the plan initially, but if we have to deviate and push him back, we're all prepared to do that. As long as we see constant improvement, we'll be good.”

Roberts said Seager’s back is improving every day, but still hasn’t been cleared to rejoin the full team workouts, a must before playing in a game.

"He still hasn't gone through a whole day of workouts, of throwing and hitting. We've still got to be comfortable that he can check all those boxes,” Roberts said. “I don't know when he's going to be a full participant. That's up to the training staff.”

The calendar has also played a role in how the Dodgers are handling Seager, still just under four weeks before opening day.

Last spring, for instance, Seager missed the final 19 days of Cactus League play in Arizona with a sprained left knee, returning only for the Freeway Series. Seager during the regular season played in 157 games and led the Dodgers in games, starts (149) and plate appearances (687).

"We have complete comfort in knowing it's minor,” Roberts said. “If it was in the regular season, could he play? Absolutely.”

Notes

Andre Ethier stretched and took batting practice on Tuesday morning, though was limited in workouts. He told Roberts he felt better after experiencing back spasms on Monday.

Scott Kazmir did not participate in workouts on Tuesday morning, and was meeting with the training staff. As of now, there is no update on his left hip tightness.

Add Andrew Toles to the Dodgers on the mend: