Dodgers News: Dave Roberts Explains Decision to Go With Kolten Wong Over Amed Rosario

Before the NLDS began, the Los Angeles Dodgers had many difficult roster decisions to make. At the trade deadline, the Dodgers acquired veteran infielder Amed Rosario essentially to hit left-handed pitching. With the way the Diamondbacks roster was built, Rosario wasn’t likely to get many opportunities to be effective in the short five game series.

Before Game 1, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts explained the thinking behind the surprising roster decision.

“It was a tough one,” Roberts said of the decision. “It was more driven by the fact that we have Kiké [Hernandez] and [Chris Taylor] that are versatile players from the right side and having Amed, without a left-handed starter going for them, he was a little redundant.

“And so to have a left-handed bat in Kolten, who you could have come out of some hitting situations, to come out of it with him on the bench we felt was a lot of value.”

The Arizona Diamondbacks don’t have many left-handed pitchers, so the Dodgers could carry another left-handed hitting infielder. Wong had a good offensive September, and his Gold Glove defense at second base could be useful.

While with the Saint Louis Cardinals, Wong received intensive experience in the postseason, so he should know how to handle the pressure.

If the Dodgers advance to the NLCS against either the Atlanta Braves or the Philadelphia Phillies, the roles for Wong and Rosario might be reversed. 

Photo Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

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