Dodgers' M. Ellis leaves game with quad injury
Second baseman will have MRI on Saturday, could be headed for DL
LOS ANGELES -- Another series, another injury for the Dodgers.
Mark Ellis left Friday's game against the Brewers after five innings due to a strained right quad, and could be headed to the disabled list. The second baseman will have an MRI on Saturday to determine the extent of the injury.
Ellis reached for his right leg as he ran to first base on a ground ball in the fifth inning. He limped off the field and headed into the Dodgers' clubhouse.
"He kind of seemed to be optimistic, but we'll just have to see," manager Don Mattingly said after the Dodgers beat the Brewers, 7-5. "Usually guys don't come out of the game like that and it not be something. I want to be optimistic, but usually you see a guy come out and kind of pull up like that, it's usually something that's not going to be a day or two."
The veteran has been one of the club's most consistent players this season with a .342 average, two homers and 11 RBIs. Ellis singled and scored in the first to extend his hitting streak to six games. The Dodgers will miss his offense, but Ellis has also been sound defensively.
"It's tough, he's been playing so good for us," said first baseman Adrian Gonzalez. "He's been a great guy at the top of the order, and with his defense. He's been really good. It's definitely a tough loss if he's going to be out for a little bit. He's such a great player for us."
Nick Punto replaced Ellis at second in the top of the sixth and turned a double play to help Matt Guerrier escape a jam in a 3-3 game. Punto walked and scored the go-ahead run in the seventh on a two-run double by Gonzalez.
Punto figures to get more time at second if Ellis is sidelined for an extended period. Jerry Hairston and Skip Schumaker are also options at second.
"I like our guys. We're pretty flexible there," Mattingly said.