Dodgers News: Alex Guerrero Takes Ground Balls At Shortstop

UPDATE (April 25, 4:25 p.m. PT): Alex Guerrero again fielded grounders at shortstop as well as third base prior to Saturday’s game, reports J.P. Hoornstra of the LA Daily News:

Alex Guerrero has taken extra ground balls at shortstop and third base this afternoon. #Dodgers

— J.P. Hoornstra (@jphoornstra) April 25, 2015

Alex Guerrero has been quite the star for the Los Angeles Dodgers this season despite only starting three games.

Heading into play Saturday, Guerrero is hitting .474/.450/1.211 with four home runs, two of them as a pinch-hitter, and 12 RBIs. Perhaps even more surprising is the fact that he has struck out only one time in 20 at-bats. The issue is where the infielder should start.

Manager Don Mattingly recently explained why he will not immediately anoint Guerrero the starting third baseman over Justin Turner or Juan Uribe. While the reason is unknown, there could very easily be nothing to it, J.P. Hoornstra of the LA Daily News reports Guerrero took grounders at shortstop:

#Dodgers have resisted using Alex Guerrero at shortstop in the regular season but he's taking grounders there now.

— J.P. Hoornstra (@jphoornstra) April 25, 2015

Guerrero played shortstop in Cuba before signing with the Dodgers, who envisioned him taking over at second base, and now see him as a third baseman/left fielder utility man. When considering Jimmy Rollins’ age and the fact that he’s scuttling at the plate, the Dodgers could be preparing a backup option to provide the veteran shortstop with ample days off.

Moreover, with as much depth and flexibility as the Dodgers have throughout their roster, they lack a true alternative to Rollins. Justin Turner is capable of playing the position, but he’s better suited at first, second and third base.

However, Guerrero’s limited time at shortstop would suggest him seeing time there likely won’t be seen in the immediate future. Including time spent last season in the Minors, Guerrero has played just seven games at shortstop since joining the Dodgers.

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