Ethier's fast start this season pays off -- and how

Andre Ethier had a lot on his mind Monday night. He was 0-for-4 with three strikeouts in a 3-2 loss to the Angels, extending his slump to 5-for-43 (.116) since Matt Kemp was put on the disabled list on May 31. There was also the matter of his five-year, $85 million contract extension, which became official on Tuesday.

"It's been a long day," Ethier said after Tuesday's game. "I had trouble sleeping last night, knowing this day was coming."

Before the game, manager Don Mattingly said he asked Ethier if his contract issues were affecting his play, and Mattingly was satisfied with the answer from his All-Star right fielder.

"It's been going on the whole time and it hasn't bothered him," Mattingly said. "He said he felt right and was just struggling with his swing."

With the contract signed and finalized Tuesday, Ethier delivered with a 2-for-4 night, including a game-tying RBI single in the bottom of the eighth inning in the Dodgers' 5-2 win over the Angels. Ethier leads the National League with 54 RBI.

When asked whether the cheers from the crowd on Tuesday meant anything more on the day he signed his big contract, Ethier joked, "I hope they cheer me every night."