Dodgers Outfield For Opening Day: James Outman Over Trayce?, Peralta’s Impact And More!
The Dodgers and Dave Roberts have some tough questions ahead as we inch closer to opening day. While the infield and pitching staff for the greater part are settled, the competition in the outfield is going to ultimately leave one player on the outside looking in.
As it stands, here’s what the competition on the grass looks like.
Mookie Betts is a lock in right field where he’ll play “about 110 games,” according to Roberts, this season. Chris Taylor — LA’s third highest paid position player on the roster this coming season — figures to see a good amount of time in left field in a platoon with offseason addition David Peralta. Trayce Thompson is kind of the incumbent center fielder following the departure of Cody Bellinger, but he has Jason Heyward, a veteran All-Star with 5 Gold Glove awards under his belt, threatening to take away playing time early.
And, rookie outfielder James Outman is having a great spring but has minor league options working against him, something Roberts alluded to in a way earlier this week.
The outfield competition was a point of conversation on an episode of DodgersNation.com’s Blue Heaven Podcast live stream. On this show, we break down the numbers and the realities so far this spring. One thing is certain, we agree that Outman in particular has played well enough to earn the starting nod in center on opening day. But, barring injury, those minor league options will keep him in Triple-A to start the season.
Watch the full conversation in the video player above or through this link. Listen to Blue Heaven on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or where ever your you get your podcasts.
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