Will the Los Angeles Dodgers make a move in left field?
Michael Conforto’s anemic play in virtually all facets has not shifted since the beginning of this year. It’s come to the point where it’s nearing malpractice to have him be an everyday player.
With Hyeseong Kim and Hernández due back in short order, and Tommy Edman potentially not far behind, we could be looking at totally different outfield alignment by early September (if not sooner).
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Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times broke down the outfield issues currently plaguing the team. With Teoscar Hernandez’s defensive issues in right field, and the well chronicled struggles of Conforto, there are many within the fan base hoping that Mookie Betts could make his way back to the outfield.
When asked about the situation, Harris revealed manager Dave Roberts was somewhat transparent as to what could happen moving forward.
“Though Roberts shut down talk of moving Betts back to the outfield, he was careful not to slam the door shut entirely when looking over the rest of the season,” Harris wrote.
When pressed further as to a possible timeline on a move, Roberts hesitated to offer any sort of timetable on when a possible shake-up could occur.
“I think that’s a fair question,” Roberts said. “But I don’t think that we’re there quite yet.”
Conforto is hitting .186 heading after Friday evening’s game with the San Diego Padres. Should Conforto be designated for assignment, the Dodgers could opt to move Hernandez back to left field where his fielding deficiencies may be better masked compared to right field.
Andy Pages has the arm strength and range to potentially be a dynamic everyday right fielder. From there, the trio of Kim, Edman, and (Kiké) Hernandez all can play centerfield in a pinch. The Kim-Edman combo may even be situated to man the second base spot with Pages in center with the left field spot remaining for some combination of both Hernandezes and Alex Call.
Another situation has (Teoscar) Hernandez moving back to left field, with Pages in center and Betts in right field (where he’s earned six Gold Glove Awards). From there, the middle infield would be cobbled together with some combination of Edman, Kim, (Kiké) Hernandez, Miguel Rojas, and Alex Freeland.
In short, when healthy, there seemingly are a number of directions Roberts can go.
The question is…what will he do?
More news: Dodgers’ Dave Roberts Had Heartfelt Talk With Michael Conforto That Appeared to Get Him on Track
Photo Credit: Kim Klement-Neitzel-Imagn Images
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One Response
Who goofed, I’ve got to know! From pitching to defense to offense to up the middle, they’re playing atrociously! They ain’t going anywhere. Say good night! The play-offs are coming but dem bums aren’t. And you got a manager without a clue.