Gonzalez's absence from Dodgers' dugout irritates some fans

When the Los Angeles Dodgers take the field against the Chicago Cubs in Game 2 of the National League Championship Series, one familiar face won't be at the ballpark to support them.

Adrian Gonzalez, who was left off the roster for the series, is at home "resting with his family" and getting ready for spring training next year, manager Dave Roberts told reporters, including Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times.

The 35-year-old hasn't traveled with the team during the postseason because of a back injury. His absence in L.A. rubbed some Dodgers fans the wrong way when news broke that he would not be in attendance.

Gonzalez hinted in June that he may retire when his contract expires at the end of next season if his back doesn't improve.

"Because if I have to deal with this next year again? That'll probably be it," he told Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register. "My contract will be over, that'll probably be it. I won't play any more. If I can heal it and my body feels good? Now I can go out there and do the things I can do. Then I'll keep playing.

"I want to be out there. I want to be out there playing. But I don't want to be out there playing when I’m hurt."

The first baseman used to be one of the Dodgers' most dangerous hitters, but appeared in just 71 games this season, hitting .242/.287/.355 with three home runs and 30 RBIs.