Dodgers News: Dave Roberts Says Franklin Gutierrez Has Made Team
Late-signee Franklin Gutierrez has had a brutal spring. Dave Roberts is aware, but confirmed he’s made the roster anyway.
Gutierrez has hit .129 this spring.
Dave Roberts said OF Franklin Gutierrez "is on the team" despite .129 spring avg. Said he's faced too many RHPs when role will be vs LHPs
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) March 16, 2017
Roberts confirmed Gutierrez is a platoon player. Aside from his struggles versus righties, the outfield depth further adds to the complications. Andre Ethier, Joc Pederson, Yasiel Puig, Andrew Toles, Trayce Thompson, Scott Van Slyke, Brett Eibner and Kike Hernandez are all competing for at-bats. Some won’t make the roster, but note that when Cody Bellinger is promoted, most of his playing time will also come from the corner outfield.
What happened in the first inning, you ask? @YasielPuig and Franklin Gutierrez happened. ? #DodgersST pic.twitter.com/x2zKRh3OA2
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) March 11, 2017
A team with that much outfield depth opting to hold on to perhaps the worst performer speaks of Roberts’ confidence in Gutierrez’s improvement. That said, if the regular season starts slow as well, the Dodgers have no shortage of alternatives.
Scott Kazmir’s velocity is becoming a major problem
Roberts has been drinking his own bath water along the front office duo. What has Guitierrez done to deserve being on any major league roster?
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