Editorials

Dodgers News: Brett Anderson, Zack Greinke Critical Of Expanded Rosters

Stephen Dunn-Getty Images
Stephen Dunn-Getty Images

UPDATE (Sept. 16, 1:05 a.m. PT: After starting a game in which the Colorado Rockies and Los Angeles Dodgers played to 16 innings, Brett Anderson again voiced his dissatisfaction over a lengthy game. “Baseball’s kinda boring as it is, let alone games like this,” he said.

Anderson allowed three runs (two earned) on seven hits in six innings, and walked away with a no-decision.

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For several years Major League Baseball has been forced to fight against the perception it’s too slow of a game and sport to captivate the younger generations. MLB implemented new rules with an eye on improving pace of play, though they’ve seemingly had little affect on a consistent basis.

With the regular season now over one week into the final month, clubs have called up heralded prospects and others who can help with the final push toward the finish line, or provide hope for the future. The Los Angeles Dodgers have been diligent in handling their call-ups, promoting players based on need.

Nonetheless, with the active rosters expanded, it allows for managers to mix-and-match with more frequency. Such was the case Monday night when the Dodgers and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim using a combined 25 position players and 14 relievers (16 pitchers overall when including starters) in a three-hour and 52-minute game.

While the Dodgers came away with a win, Brett Anderson let out some of his frustration after the lengthy game:

Zack Greinke, Monday’s starter, also suggested changes be made so as to improve the on-field product, according to Bill Plunkett of the OC Register:

For the Dodgers, expanding their roster provided Joc Pederson with an opportunity to experience life in the Majors last season before taking on a larger role in 2015. That’s essentially the same position Corey Seager is now in. Los Angeles has also received contributions from outfielder Scott Schebler, who joined the club from Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Anderson and Greinke certainly aren’t alone in their complaints, nor are they the first to take issue with roster expansion in September. However, how quickly change will occur, or if it even will, is far from known.

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Staff Writer

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