Adrian Gonzalez

Adrian Gonzalez expected to return to Dodgers' lineup Saturday

Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez (back) is expected to return Saturday against the San Diego Padres, Dodgers' manager Dave Roberts said.

What It Means:

He'll be available to pinch-hit Thursday after taking 50 swings in the batting cage. This has been one of the longest absences of Gonzalez's career. He hasn't missed three games in a row since 2005, when he was with the Texas Rangers. Fortunately for fantasy owners, it looks like he'll be back on Saturday.

Gonzalez has 163 appearances at the plate this season, slashing .282/.362/.402 while posting a .329 wOBA with four home runs and 20 RBI's.