Dodgers News: LA Exec Believes Amed Rosario Can Get Back to Being a Good Defender
The Dodgers traded away Noah Syndergaard to the Cleveland Guardians Wednesday, getting shortstop Amed Rosario in return.
Rosario is hitting .267 with a .680 OBS and 3 home runs and has struggled on the defensive side of the ball this season. Rosario is sporting minus-15 defensive runs saved this season, the worst metrics among qualifying shortstops. With Miguel Rojas and Chris Taylor firmly in the rotation at shortstop, Rosario is expected to try playing different positions.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said the plan was to ease Rosario into playing second base and center field. The 27-year-old has never played second base and has only played in the outfield 20 times in his seven-year career.
The Dodgers’ primary reason for acquiring Rosario was to go up against lefty pitchers. This season, Rosario is hitting at a .304 average with a .482 slugging percentage against left-handers.
“He’s a tremendous athlete,” said general manager Brandon Gomes. “He did grade out really well (defensively) last year. So it’s a bet on his true talent, our coaching staff getting with him. He’s been incredibly open to saying, ‘Hey, I’m willing to come in and help you guys any way possible.’ So seeing how he first in on the infield, some in the outfield just gives us options, which we like.”
(Via The Orange County Register)
Rosario seems to be open to doing whatever it takes to get on the field in LA. For his part, in his first start as a Dodger, he went 2-for-4 at the plate with an RBI.
Rosario’s entry also gave the Dodgers a chance to get rid of Syndergaard, whose nightmarish season in LA finally came to an end. In 12 games with the Dodgers, Syndergaard held a 7.16 ERA. He is slated to start for the Guardians on Monday.
The Dodgers, who lost 6-5 to Cincinnati Friday night, will continue their home series against the Reds Saturday at 6:10 p.m. PDT.
Photo Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
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