Cromer Throws Himself Into Plan for Return to Dodgers in May

Remember Tripp Cromer?

Who could forget the brief shining moments the second baseman provided last summer when he came out of nowhere to win the second base job in late June?

Showing surprising power for his lean frame (6 feet 2, 165 pounds), Cromer hit four home runs in 28 games. He drove in 20 runs after having driven in a total of 18 in parts of three big league seasons.

But it all ended as suddenly as it had begun. Cromer felt a twinge in his right elbow. He didn’t tell anybody at first.

But when it got worse, tests were run and an MRI revealed a partially torn ligament. Cromer underwent surgery in September and started light workouts in January.

“I’m now throwing and hitting every day,” Cromer said, “and I feel great.”

If all continues to go well, Cromer hopes to be playing by May. Once that happens, the Dodgers will have 21 days to decide whether to keep Cromer, who can also play short, or put him on waivers.

Of course, things have changed since Cromer last occupied a spot in the starting lineup. The Dodgers now have Eric Young at second base and Jose Vizcaino at short. And neither of them figures to be going anywhere.

But all it takes is a sudden twinge to change things dramatically.

Just ask Tripp Cromer.

TODAY

Angels at Dodgers

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In today’s Freeway Series finale at Dodger Stadium, Dodger right-hander Chan Ho Park (1-0, 1.73 ERA in the spring) opposes Angel right-hander Jack McDowell (1-1, 7.64).