Singing the Dodger Blues: Dee Gordon Joins Rubby De La Rosa on DL

Breathe. Now breathe a little more. Don't get too worked up and try not to fret. Find a happy place, somewhere, anywhere. 

In this Dodger season, it's been difficult. It's been practically impossible, as the Dodgers continue to find new ways to break hearts as they were swept by the Philadelphia Phillies and have now lost their two new youngsters. 

Dee Gordon, shortstop and lightning bolt on the base-paths, was placed on the disabled list Wednesday due to a right shoulder contusion.

Gordon was originally injured in Arizona, diving after Kelly Johnson in a run-down. Gordon impressed everyone by catching up to Johnson in a footrace and tagging him out, but landed hard on his right side.

Gordon should be able to heal with rest, but as a very young and slight 23-year-old, Gordon has probably never had a injury like this before.

Gordon's injury deflates some of the remaining hope for this season, in which many fans and analysts hoped to see glimpses of the future. Now the only hope is that Gordon can play in another game in 2011, which he is expected to do.

With Rubby De La Rosa out until the middle or end of 2012, the Dodger pitching staff looks a lot weaker and puts more pressure on everyone, especially youngster Nathan Eovaldi. 

Eovaldi threw five solid innings in his first start, and is on the hill in his first start at Dodger Stadium against his hometown Astros on Friday. 

Eovaldi is worth a long look this year despite his age and relative obscurity. Eovaldi got a short look this spring and was one of the players I highlighted in April at the beginning of the season.

Eovaldi's career numbers were consistently positive, and I fully expect him to be a contributor to the Dodgers this season and going forward, to be a very respectable No. 4 starter behind Clayton Kershaw, Chad Billingsley and Rubby De La Rosa. 

Be sure to stick with BleacherReport.com for updates on both injuries to Dee Gordon, who looks to return around the end of August, and Rubby De La Rosa, who can probably resume baseball activities around Spring Training of 2012.