Dodgers' Gordon out 6 weeks with thumb injury

Associated Press Sports

updated 8:29 p.m. ET July 5, 2012

PHOENIX (AP) - Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Dee Gordon has a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right thumb that will require surgery, and he's expected to miss six weeks.

Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said before Thursday's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks that doctors expect Gordon to make a full recovery. Gordon, injured Wednesday night sliding head-first into third base on a steal attempt against Cincinnati, had an MRI earlier Thursday and arrived to the clubhouse with a cast over his right hand.

Surgery was scheduled for Friday in the Phoenix area.

"He's a little scared, a little bummed out," Mattingly said. "I feel bad for the kid. He came in and apologized to me (Wednesday) night. It's just tough. He's going to be fine."

Gordon, 24, is in his first full season as the Dodgers' starting shortstop. He's batting .229, but leads the National League with 30 stolen bases.

Pitcher Javy Guerra, who was on the 15-day disabled list with right knee inflammation since June 4, will replace Gordon on the active roster and was to be activated in time for Thursday's game.

The Dodgers had utilityman Elian Herrera starting in left field Thursday as the leadoff hitter, the spot Gordon has predominantly held in the order this season. Recent callup Luis Cruz was in at shortstop, and Mattingly said he will be used there along with Herrera, Jerry Hairston Jr. and possibly Juan Uribe while Gordon is out.

"We have a combination of guys that I feel pretty comfortable about," Mattingly said. "Offense for us should be a priority somewhere. Right now, we're in that mode up to the (All-Star break) where we've just got to scratch and fight for every win we can get."

The Dodgers were 46-37 and leading the NL West by a half-game over the San Francisco Giants entering Thursday's game.

Gordon joins a lengthy list of Dodgers players who are sidelined, including star outfielders Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier, both of whom Mattingly hopes to have back soon after next week's All-Star game.

? 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

advertisement

More news

Plenty of surprises

DeMarco: Terry Collins looks like NL Manager of the Year. Meanwhile, the Phillies are the most disappointing as we reach midpoint.

Source: http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/48089129/ns/sports-baseball/

kobayashi roseanne barr margaret sanger paul george eddie long eddie murphy ufc 143 weigh ins