Dodgers News: Guerrero Vying For Starting Spot, Will Accept Minors

The main competition in Los Angeles Dodgers camp has been the battle for second base as more than four people are vying for the starting spot.

Alex Guerrero is one of the bigger names competing for the spot after signing a four-year deal out of Cuba in October. He was expected to take over the position from Mark Ellis, who signed with the St. Louis Cardinals. However, a leg injury in the winter and lack of comfortability at second base has caused management to consider starting Guerrero in the minor leagues.

According to Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com, Guerrero gave his take on the situation:

I hope I make the big league team and I’m working hard for that, but if they decide I have to go to the Minor Leagues, I will go and keep working hard, he said. That’s what I’m here to do.

The 27-year-old’s contract states that he can only be sent to the minor leagues without his consent in the first year of the deal, meaning that this season the Dodgers can start him in the minor leagues. This spring, Guerrero is hitting .278 and is leading the team with six RBI in eight games. He mentioned that he’s continuing to adjust to playing second base after being a shortstop his entire career and that the pitchers in the United States are much better than the pitchers in Cuba. His main competition thus far has been Dee Gordon, who has played strong defense and has five stolen bases this spring.

Manager Don Mattingly has yet to announce a starter, but did share his thoughts about the Cuban infielder:

Now, we are still competing for a job. We are going to let him continue to play, and again, the plan for him is to get as many at-bats as possible while we are getting other guys ready also and giving them opportunities. At this point, we are happy with Alex and the way he is working and going about his business.

The Dodgers have one more week of Spring Training games before they head to Australia and Mattingly will have until then to decide.

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