Dodgers Rumors: Low-Cost Trade Options to Hit Left-Handed Pitching
By Jason Reed
The Los Angeles Dodgers have been notoriously bad at hitting left-handed pitching the last two seasons. According to these Dodgers rumors, which low-cost trade options should the team consider?
The Dodgers cannot hit left-handed pitching, that is no secret. The team infamously struggled against south paw pitchers last season, and despite efforts in the offseason these woes have continued. Franklin Gutierrez and Logan Forsythe were brought in to effectively hit the Dodgers weakness, both are on the DL.
Regardless, while there has been promising moments, those two guys have not been enough to solve the issue for the Dodgers. The team has been matched up against left-handed starters nine times this season, batting a horrendous .219. The struggles are evident, and while Dave Roberts is doing all he can match up wise, it is not enough.
Guys that are supposed to smash these left-handers are not providing as they should. Yasiel Puig has been a bright spot, Scott Van Slyke has been nothing more than terrible, and Enrique Hernandez is just now coming around after a dreadful start.
The Dodgers have planned to start their lefties against opposing lefties, which may be smart, but is still leading to struggles. Corey Seager’s average drops from .344 against right-handed pitching to .207 against left-handed pitching – Adrian Gonzalez dipping from .286 to .250.
Joc Pederson is actually batting .400 against left-handed pitching; sure it may be a small sample size but he has as many hits against south paws than he does against right-handers, despite having less than half as many at bats.
Regardless, the Dodgers have been struggling against left-handed pitching. Ryan Braun may be the answer, but perhaps the Dodgers could find more cost-effective alternatives. Therefore, which low-cost trade targets should the Dodgers consider to hit left-handed pitching?