It’s Matt Kemp and the Dukes: Ethier, Barajas held out of lineup, but remain off crowded DL

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Andre Ethier, who told reporters in Houston he wasn’t that sore when he awoke Monday, is nonetheless not in the Dodgers’ lineup against the Astros.

‘Dodgers lineup’ being something of a loose phrase these days.

Presenting your Los Angeles Dodgers’ May 23rd starting lineup:

Shortstop Rafael Furcal, second baseman Aaron Miles, first baseman James Loney, center fielder Matt Kemp, right fielder Jay Gibbons, left fielder Jerry Sands, catcher Dioner Navarro, third baseman Russ Mitchell and pitcher Clayton Kershaw.

We’ll give you a moment in case you need fanning.

Let’s put the lineup another way, with their batting averages: Furcal (.161), Miles (.286), Loney (.240), Kemp (.316), Gibbons (.194), Sands (.241), Navarro (.115), Mitchell (.091) and Kershaw (.211).

Don’t think it’s a good thing when Kershaw has a higher average than four starters.

Both Ethier and catcher Rod Barajas, who were injured Sunday afternoon against the White Sox, were held out. With Miles’ sore rib cage enabling him to return, Jamey Carroll was also given the day off. Carroll, signed to be a utility players, has played in all but one game this season. Mitchell is currently the emergency catcher. Barajas had an MRI on his sprained wrist but at this time the results are unknown. Ethier has a sore right elbow, sore left lower back and a sprained left big toe from crashing into the White Sox fence while chasing a fly.

Neither Ethier nor Barajas were placed on the disabled list prior to Monday’s game.

Makes you wonder what kind of a lineup the triple-A Albuquerque Dukes are sending out.

-- Steve Dilbeck