Dodgers catcher A.J. Ellis has landed on the 15-day disabled list after landing wrong on his right ankle while celebrating Josh Beckett’s no-hitter on Sunday.
Ellis was given the day off, so although he didn’t catch the no-hitter, he was more than happy to join in during the post-game festivities. Unfortunately for Ellis, he rolled his ankle when he stepped on an errant catcher’s mask that had been discarded during the fracas.
“My right foot landed right on top of it and rolled it pretty good,” Ellis said after the game. “I knew right away that it was more significant than other ankle rolls I’ve had in the past. I’m beyond frustrated.”
The Dodgers placed Ellis on the 15-day DL on Monday. He has already spent time on the disabled list this year, as he was activated less than two weeks ago after dealing with a knee injury. He’s hitting .170 in 15 games this season.
Dr. Silverman comments
It sounds like Ellis may be dealing with more than just a simple sprain. Although I don’t have access to an X-Ray or MRI scan, Ellis noted that he’s had other ankle rolls in the past. It’s possible that he could be dealing with chronic ankle instability. He may want to consider going under the knife.
As for how it happened, injuries like this are far too common, especially in baseball where dogpiles seem to be the norm after a big win. Remember what happened to Kendry Morales four years ago? Morales broke his leg while celebrating at home plate after hitting a walk off grand slam. Sure, a game winning grand slam is fun, but surgery and missing time on the disabled list isn’t. Did you hear about Tyler Rahmatulla? He missed UCLA’s college world series run because he broke his wrist during a celebratory dogpile. The list goes on.
Teams need to be a little more cautious when celebrating a big win. Hopefully Ellis can return to the team in two weeks.
Related source: ESPN