Dodgers’ infield getting thin as Jerry Hairston Jr. injured

Are you ready for Adam Kennedy, Dodgers’ starting third baseman?

Too bad. Pucker up precious, it’s now at hand.

Shortly after Dodgers Manager Don Mattingly complained to reporters that Juan Uribe’s sore left wrist was not improving enough and would require a more extensive examination when the team returns home Monday, his replacement went down.

Jerry Hairston Jr., who was proving increasingly valuable, damaged his left hamstring in the second inning in Chicago on Sunday.

Hairston was running out an infield single off pitcher Travis Wood, when about half way down the line he grimaced. When he arrived at the bag, he bent over in apparent pain. He quickly left the game and was replaced by Kennedy. The Dodgers called it a strained hamstring.

Hairston is batting .315 for the Dodgers and has been playing an excellent third base. He was playing so well that even when the struggling Uribe did get healthy, it was difficult to imagine the Dodgers sitting Hairston.

Kennedy, who entered the game batting .136, has spent most of his career at second.

The Dodgers were already down one utility infielder, having sent down Justin Sellers on Friday when they signed Bobby Abreu. That could prove a brief stay.

The Dodgers were already playing Sunday without Matt Kemp, who was scratched with a tweaked hamstring.

Hairston’s injury came on a chilly afternoon and following an almost three-hour rain delay.

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Dodgers’ infield getting thin as Jerry Hairston Jr. injured