The way things have gone for the Dodgers thus far this season, any time a player is removed from a game, there is always cause for concern.

Such was the case yet again on Saturday afternoon when Dodger left fielder Scott Van Slyke attempted to make an awkward diving catch of a fly ball off the bat of Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina. And though Van Slyke initially remained in the game, he was eventually replaced in the 6th inning by Carl Crawford for what was reported as a whiplash injury to his neck as a result of his diving attempt.

“If my knee didn’t stick in the ground, I think I catch it,” said Van Slyke of the play.
(Photo credit – Jon SooHoo)

After the game Dodger manager Don Mattingly said that they would wait and see how Van Slyke felt on Sunday before deciding whether or not to place him on the DL. With Jerry Hairston Jr. scheduled to return from the DL prior to Monday night’s series opener against the Angels, a corresponding roster move would have to be made and Dodger fans were fearful that it might include Van Slyke.

As it turned out, the Dodgers instead optioned struggling shortstop Dee Gordon back to Triple-A Albuquerque to make room for Hairston and, in fact, had Van Slyke in the starting line-up in right field on Monday evening to avoid the lefty-lefty match-up between Angels starter C.J. Wilson and Dodger right fielder Andre Ethier.

“I’m feeling good,” Van Slyke said in the Dodger clubhouse prior to Monday’s game. “It’s still sore and probably will be for a while, but I can play.”

Indeed he could, as the 6′ 5″ 26-year-old power hitter went 2 for 4 with 2 doubles and 2 RBIs on a night when a new Dodger Stadium record was set with 11 total doubles – 6 by the Dodgers and 5 by the Angels.

Van Slyke just missed his 4th home run of the season with his second double of the night.
(Video capture courtesy of MLB.com)

Van Slyke’s second double capped off a four-run 5th inning for the Dodgers and tied the game at 6 in their eventual come-from-behind 8-7 win over the Halos.

I’d say he can play, alright.