Indians' Chris Dickerson overcomes injuries to have success on field
Indianapolis Indians center fielder Chris Dickerson hasn't been completely healthy for most of the season.
You wouldn't know it by his batting average.
After Sunday's game, Dickerson was hitting .305 with 14 doubles, five homers, 23 runs batted in and on-base percentage of .401.
Dickerson missed three games in April with a left hamstring injury and then spent one week on the disabled list after suffering a right heel contusion in late May.
"It hasn't really hampered my offense," Dickerson said of the injuries. "For me, defense is my bread and butter and I don't really feel like I've been 100 percent in that aspect so that's been frustrating.
"I should have a lot more stolen bases. I should have been running a lot more but with my hamstring and what's been going on, it's been hampering me. I tried to pick and choose my places to go. For as much as I've been on base, I should definitely have a lot more."
Dickerson, who has a .262 average in 314 major league games, has 11 stolen bases in 15 attempts.
Indians manager Dean Treanor said he knows it has been a concern for Dickerson that he hasn't been able to cover as much ground in center as he has in the past.
"But we check with him every day on how he feels," Treanor said. "I know if I put him in the outfield, that's where he wants to be, center field."
Dickerson was hitting leadoff then moved to the No. 3 spot when Gregory Polanco was moved to the leadoff spot. Dickerson has stayed at No. 3 since Polanco was called up by Pittsburgh earlier this month.
"Dickerson gives us the best chance to balance the lineup," Treanor said. "I think he likes the 3 hole so we'll see how it goes."
Dickerson was taken by surprise when Pittsburgh started the season with four outfielders instead of five. If he had known that would be the case, Dickerson admitted he wouldn't have signed with Pittsburgh in the offseason.
At 32, Dickerson is eager to be back in the majors.
"You try to put that aside and try to go out there and prepare every day and do things to help the team win," Dickerson said. "You worry about what you can control.
"The situation isn't ideal. But it is what it is. We have a good team here. El Coffee (Polanco) is gone and I have to pick up the slack there."
Dickerson hit .355 in spring training with the Pirates, but was frustrated when he didn't make the opening day roster.
"I wouldn't say it's rare to keep just four (outfielders), but I know (Dickerson) was disappointed," Treanor said. "But to his credit, he hasn't let that affect his play."
Dickerson's veteran presence has been a positive for the Indians, Treanor said.
"He's been a mentor for some of these guys and someone who fits in really well in this clubhouse," Treanor said.
Call Star reporter Mark Ambrogi at (317) 444-6047. Follow him on Twitter: @mark_ambrogi
MEET CHRIS DICKERSON
Born: April 10, 1982 in Hollywood, Calif.
College: Nevada-Reno.
Bats: Left. Throws: Left.
Height: 6-4. Weight: 230.
Twitter: @CDickerson_PFTP
Bio: Drafted by Cincinnati in 16th round in 2003. Made his major league debut for Cincinnati in 2008, hitting .304 in 31 games. Was traded by the Reds to Milwaukee in August, 2010 for Jim Edmonds. Dickerson, who played two seasons for the New York Yankees, spent last season splitting time with Baltimore and Triple-A Norfolk.
Personal project: Co-founder/CEO for Players for the Planet, Inc. The web site for the non-profit organization said the mission is "to bring professional athletes together to inspire and educate communities about the growing environmental crisis."
No relation to Eric: Contrary to what has appeared in some media guides or reports through the years, Dickerson said he is not related to former Indianapolis Colts running back Eric Dickerson. He is listed as Eric's cousin on the Indians' web site.