The Dodgers have a glut of outfielders and a wide-open competition.
Free agent signee Franklin Gutierrez might be a bit behind in that race. He’s 0-for-19 this spring.
#Dodges Dave Roberts on Franklin Gutierrez's hitless (so far) spring. He's coming off his back side, making swing path "a little uphill"
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) March 8, 2017
#Dodgers Dave Roberts on 0-for-19 Franklin Gutierrez: "With a guy like Guti, it doesn't take much to find his stroke. … He'll get there."
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) March 8, 2017
Dave Roberts sounds minimally concerned. Another Dodgers offseason investment, Rich Hill, is also slumping in the first month with a 12.60 ERA.
Players’ struggles in spring don’t necessarily translate to the regular season. The bigger loss for Gutierrez here is a missed opportunity. Andre Ethier has been tremendous. Andrew Toles has been injured but returns soon and impressed in a small sample size a season ago. Trayce Thompson is back as well. Yasiel Puig is likely the starter in right field.
[graphiq id=”6ohxcye5wjj” title=”Franklin Gutiérrez 2016 Batting Splits By Pitcher Hand” width=”640″ height=”603″ url=”https://w.graphiq.com/w/6ohxcye5wjj” ]
Gutierrez has to earn playing time. It hasn’t happened thus far. While that’s bad news for him, the organization signed him as depth anyway. Even if he is poor in the regular season, the team will survive.
More than likely, there’s nothing to see here. Patience is a virtue.
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