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Dodgers skip Roberts: Seager dealing with elbow issue, 'not 100 percent'

Harry How / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Corey Seager will likely have to deal with elbow discomfort for the remainder of the season, according to Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who told reporters Monday that his star shortstop isn't 100 percent healthy.

Seager, who was given the day off Monday, has discomfort when he throws, Roberts said, though the issue doesn't affect him when he swings and won't keep him out of the lineup. In fact, the 23-year-old likely won't get another day off for the rest of the season, Roberts said ahead of his club's series opener against the Philadelphia Phillies.

"Our staff is on top of it,'' Roberts told ESPN's Jerry Crasnick. "(We) feel that he can play a premium position and make the throws that are needed and not put himself in immediate jeopardy, or even jeopardy down the road. All signs are he can manage it.

"With something like this, the rest doesn't necessarily help and the activity of keeping it warm is a benefit to Corey. That's the understanding I get from him and the doctors. I actually don't see him taking a day even after we clinch.''

Roberts didn't specify exactly what the issue is, however, or divulge when Seager first started experiencing discomfort in his elbow, which he's been guarding when he throws of late.

"I think there's a little bit of preservation, with Corey understanding where his arm is at,'' Roberts said. "I don't think it's 100 percent. He knows his body very well, and he knows when to let it go and when not to. I think it's clear that he's doing some protecting.

"I don't think it's affecting the bat. But he's not showing the arm strength he has, because I think he's trying to manage it.''

His recent elbow trouble notwithstanding, the reigning National League Rookie of the Year has put up another monster season in 2017, managing 5.6 WAR while hitting .303/.383/.488 (132 wRC+) with 20 homers and 32 doubles through 133 games.

Utilityman Kike Hernandez will start at shortstop Monday at Citizens Bank Park.

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