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LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers placed first baseman Adrian Gonzalez on the disabled list with lower back discomfort on Tuesday before their series opener against the Indians, and activated center fielder Joc Pederson from the DL.
This is the second trip to the disabled list this season for Gonzalez, who had never been on the DL entering 2017. Gonzalez averaged 159 games played per year from 2006-16.
Gonzalez left Sunday’s game early when his back locked up again, and had an MRI exam on Monday.
One the season, Gonzalez is hitting .255/.304/.339 with one home run and 11 doubles in 49 games, including .254/.273/.380 in 20 games since returning from the DL.
Dave Roberts used the words "benign" and "degenerative" describing results of Adrian Gonzalez MRI results.
— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) June 13, 2017
Roberts described issue w/ Gonzalez as a "degenerative" problem w/ his herniated disk. The team will give him as much time off as possible.
— Andy McCullough (@McCulloughTimes) June 13, 2017
#Dodgers Adrian Gonzalez's MRI showed degenerative disc in his lower back. He is seeing a doctor in San Diego for 2d opinion today
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) June 13, 2017
Dave Roberts said it's "probable" Gonzalez could return before All-Star break. Wasn't sure though.
— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) June 13, 2017
Clarification from the Dodgers: The medical staff did not describe Adrian Gonzalez's herniated disk as "degenerative." It's just herniated.
— Andy McCullough (@McCulloughTimes) June 13, 2017
Pederson missed 18 games with a concussion, after a violent outfield collision with Yasiel Puig and the right field wall on May 23.
Pederson played in three minor league rehab games, going 3-for-9 (.333) with two home runs, a sacrifice fly, and four RBI with Triple-A Oklahoma City. The two home runs matched his output with the Dodgers this season, hitting .200/.309/.314 in 35 games.