Dodgers outfielder Ethier smacks homer

Andre Ethier has been one of the franchise stars of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 35-year-old outfielder has recorded 1,376 hits, 162 homeruns, 687 scores and a batting average of 0.285 since his debut in 2006. However, at some point, he became a white elephant to the Dodgers.

Besides 2014, Ethier recorded more than 120 hits in every season between 2006 and 2015. Back in 2009, the two-time All-Star and one-time Gold Glove award winner had six walk-off hits, which was the most in the Major Leagues since 1974.

Though recently recovered from an injury, Ethier has not stolen a spotlight in this season. However, in a game against the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday, Ethier, who was on a roster, took a chance to prove his resilience. The Phillies were leading the game 4-3 in the seventh inning and Ethier hit a pinch-hit homer. He salvaged the Dodges after four consecutive losses. The Dodgers beat the Phillies 5-4 with Chris Taylor’s three-base-hit and Cody Bellinger’s ground ball after Ethier’s homer.

The Dodgers have 97 wins and 56 losses, leading over the second-place Arizona Diamondbacks in the National League West to nine games. The Dodgers are now one game away from claiming the National League West title. With Ethier back from shut down, the Dodgers have beefed up its left-handed batter line, which is considered the strongest in the Major Leagues.

Jae-Yeong Yoo elegant@donga.com