Tagged: Andre Ethier

Ethier, Blake Ailing; Mientkiewicz Signed

Manager Joe Torre said outfielder Andre Ethier and third baseman Casey Blake came out of Wednesday’s first game with slight injuries. Ethier was struck by a batted ball on the foot while taking fly balls before the game, played in the game, but felt discomfort afterward. Blake played in the game but felt his groin tighten doing outfield sprints after he was removed. Both figure to miss a few games. Jason Schmidt is on schedule to pitch in Friday’s “B” game. Yhency Brazoban, shut down after a cortisone shot in his shoulder, said he plans to resume tossing Friday.

Torre said the Dodgers signed free agent utilityman Doug Mientkiewicz to a Minor League contract and will bring him to Major League camp. Mientkiewicz, a left-handed hitter, batted .277 with Pittsburgh in 2008. He would be a longshot to make the club with Blake DeWitt, Mark Loretta, Juan Castro and Tony Abreu also in camp and capable of the same roles as Mientkiewicz. — Ken Gurnick

Don’t Forget Abreu

Two years ago, Tony Abreu nearly made the Major League club out of Spring Training. But a series of injuries kept him off the field for the last 1 1/2 seasons and triggered organizational grumbling that he was soft. Now, coming off arthroscopic hip surgery, Abreu could resume his career as a key utility player, according to manager Joe Torre, because he can play second base, third base and shortstop. Torre said his bench shapes up a little light at first base, although he said Mark Loretta and Casey Blake can play the position. He said Andre Ethier again volunteered to work at the position. — Ken Gurnick

Dodgers, Ethier Avoid Arbitration

The Dodgers and outfielder Andre Ethier reached a settlement on a one-year contract for $3.1 million just before the scheduled start of an arbitration hearing Tuesday morning.

 

Ethier, who received $424,500 last year without the leverage of arbitration, was seeking $3.75 million this year with the club offering $2.65 million, with the midpoint at $3.2 million. He also received performance bonuses “at very high levels,” according to general manager Ned Colletti.

 

“Neither side was tremendously happy with it, the earmark of a successful agreement,” Colletti said.

 

The start of the hearing was delayed 45 minutes while the two sides negotiated the agreement. — Ken Gurnick