Dodgers Opening Day Bench Role Seemingly Down to 4 After Latest News
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Of the last few details Dave Roberts and the Dodgers need to figure out before opening day next week, the decision on who gets the final bench spot is the most nerve-racking. However, things got a little clearer on Wednesday night with the latest roster news out of camp.
After the game, the team announced that 5 more players would be optioned or reassigned to minor league camp including infielder Yonny Hernandez. The versatile Hernandez was considered an option for the opening day roster since the team has more than enough outfielders on the depth chart -- especially with veteran Jason Heyward expected to make the team as a non-roster invite. But this move makes it clear that the competition is down to four players.
Outfielders James Outman, Bradley Zimmer, and Steven Duggar, and infielder Luke Williams.
Now, if I just said there are too many outfielders a second ago, why would three more be in the running for one spot? Well, if the team looks at Chris Taylor as more of an infielder this season than in seasons past, then there's room to handle one more outfielder on the active roster.
As it stands, here are the roster locks on the position player side of things.
Catchers
- Will Smith
- Austin Barnes
Infielders
- Freddie Freeman
- Miguel Vargas
- Max Muncy
- Miguel Rojas
- Chris Taylor
Outfield
- David Peralta
- Trayce Thompson
- Mookie Betts
- Jason Heyward
DH
- J.D. Martinez
Mookie Betts can also fill in at second base, if needed, giving Roberts a little more versatility if the club opts for Outman, Zimmer, or Duggar. Williams is intriguing because he can back up all over the diamond. He's played mostly shortstop and third this spring and has looked serviceable.
The gambler in me sees the Dodgers going with the veteran Bradley Zimmer. He's played in parts of six MLB seasons and can handle all three outfield spots. He's also had a nice spring hitting .276 with a .417 on-base percentage over 19 games.
There's also the minute chance of the team pulling off a trade before opening day, but that's not super likely.
