Dodgers News: James Outman May be Odd Man Out in Platoon

With the new additions of Kiké Hernández and Amed Rosario, the playing time for rookie James Outman might be diminished over the next few months of the season. Despite having a great month of July, the Dodgers made some moves ahead of the trade deadline that look to create a bit of a platoon situation for manager Dave Roberts.

Doc addressed the playing time situation this week, only offering up generalities for Outman as the team was set to face a left handed pitcher.

“As we sit here today, James Outman, who has had a great second half, is not playing against a left-hander. So it’s just understanding and appreciating that I use the whole roster, and you have to be ready when called upon.”

“For Kiké and Amed to be here and not playing against a lefty doesn’t make a whole lot of sense for me right now.”

Via LA Times

This season in front of our eyes, Outman has grown into a major leaguer. He had a fantastic April, making many pundits talk about the possibility of winning the National League Rookie of the Year, but a National League Rookie of the Year wasn’t meant to be for James Outman. May and June were brutal on Outman. He couldn’t buy a hit, but he didn’t let his offensive struggles affect his defense. 

Something clicked for Outman in July. He has a .317 batting average with 3 home runs, 9 RBI, and a .876 OPS while playing stellar defense in center field.

Now, the Dodgers and Roberts want to go with veterans as they chase another National League Western Division title and try to go deep into the postseason. During his full major league season, at 26, Outman has shown much maturity as he has dealt with ups and downs of any baseball season. Decreased playing time won’t bother Outman who is here to stay.

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