Grandal suffers injury, leaves game
WASHINGTON — As Yasmani Grandal disappeared into the clubhouse in the sixth inning of the Dodgers’ 5- 0 victory over the Washington Nationals on Sunday, Manager Don Mattingly feared for theworst.
“I thought he broke his jaw,” Mattingly said.
The mask covering the All- Star catcher’s face was struck by a ball fouled by outfielder Michael Taylor.
Mattingly’s fears were relieved, at least temporarily, when X- rays on Grandal’s jaw were negative. Grandal is scheduled to undergo further testing Monday.
Pitcher Zack Greinke immediately sensed something was wrong with Grandal.
“His face wasn’t really moving,” Greinke said. “It was like frozen.”
Grandal said his teammates and trainers had trouble understanding him because his inability to move his jaw prevented him from speaking properly.
Grandal was replaced by A. J. Ellis, who caught the remaining four innings. By the end of the game, Grandal’s condition was significantly improved.
“It’s a little better now,” Grandal said. “It definitely hurts to swallow, hard to bite down.”
Grandal was on the sevenday concussion disabled list in May after taking a couple of knocks to his head in a game against the San Diego Padres.
In addition to catching a majority of games, Grandal has established himself as a middle- of- the- order hitter. He ranks third on the team with 14 home runs. Only Adrian Gonzalez and Joc Pederson have more.
On the mend
Sidelined outfielder Carl Crawford has completed his minor league rehabilitation assignment with triple- A Oklahoma City and will meet the Dodgers in Atlanta on Monday, Mattingly said.
Mattingly said Crawford probably will be activated in the first couple of days of the three- game series against the Braves.
Crawford has been sidelined since April 28 because of a torn side muscle. He played in 10 minor league games, including eight in triple A, where he batted .368.
Crawford is expected to return as a reserve, with Andre Ethier remaining the team’s primary left fielder. Mattingly said there could be days when Crawford and Ethier are both in the lineup, with Ethier occasionally moving to right field to give Yasiel Puig a day off.
Up next
Brandon Beachy ( 0- 1, 6.75 ERA) will face the Braves and Matt Wisler ( 3- 1, 3.10) on Monday at 4 p. m. PDT at Turner Field. TV: Sports Net LA; Radio: 570, 1020.