What happened in 2016: Scott Van Slyke missed almost four months of the season after two trips to the disabled list with back and wrist problems. He did not play after Aug. 7, and his disappointing season ended with wrist surgery in September.
The Dodgers were the worst team in baseball against left-handed pitching in 2016, collectively hitting .214 vs. southpaws. Van Slyke, with a career 138 wRC+ vs. LHP, was missed greatly. His injury plagued season was one factor in the Dodgers’ historic woes against lefties.
Van Slyke was placed on the DL the first time a week into the season with lower back irritation, causing him to miss nearly 50 games.