Dodgers outfielder Andre Ethier cleared to face live pitching; return date still unclear

Reporting from Cincinnati — Five months after he broke his leg, Dodgers outfielder Andre Ethier has been cleared to face live pitching in a controlled environment at Camelback Ranch. The team hopes Ethier can contribute in September, although his level of effectiveness cannot be predicted, due to the nettlesome nature of his fracture.

“He’s getting closer,” Manager Dave Roberts said before Sunday’s 4-0 victory over the Reds. “But to say when he’s going to go out on a rehab [assignment], I’m not sure.”

Ethier has faced pitchers for about a week, Roberts said. He is also able to field fly balls and run the bases. Roberts watched video of Ethier running recently, and estimated his ability at 75%.

The Dodgers hoped Ethier would play a major role in 2016. Roberts intended to use him as the primary leadoff hitter. Now the team is unsure if he’ll take a single at-bat for them. The fracture has not healed at the rate either the team or Ethier hoped it would.

With Ethier down, the Dodgers were forced to improvise. Howie Kendrick, an infielder for almost his entire career, has become the regular left fielder.

Toles up, Taylor down

The Dodgers recalled outfielder Andrew Toles and optioned utility infielder Chris Taylor to triple-A Oklahoma City. Toles hit .316 in a stint with the Dodgers earlier this season. During a two-week sojourn in Oklahoma City earlier this month, he batted .348.

“He’s been swinging the bat really well,” Roberts said.

The call-up also shed further light on Yasiel Puig’s standing within the big-league clubhouse. Puig hit .410 in his first 11 games in the triple-A after getting demoted at the beginning of August. But the Dodgers still opted to recall Toles, a rookie with limited experience in the majors.

Toles got a hit, took a walk and scored a run against the Reds on Sunday.

[email protected]

Follow Andy McCullough on Twitter @McCulloughTimes