Los Angeles Dodgers: First half grades for the Boys in Blue
By Evan Lovett
The Infield
Ravaged by injuries, it would appear that infield would be the most vulnerable position group on the club. Second baseman Logan Forsythe, third baseman Justin Turner, shortstop Corey Seager and Adrian Gonzalez have all been beset by maladies and missed significant time.
Again, shrewd maneuvering by the coaching staff has minimized the impact of these losses, and has turned a negative into a positive. The versatility of Kiké Hernandez and Chase Utley, combined with the emergence of Cody Bellinger have given the Dodgers breathing room – and solid performance.
Utley, resigned primarily for his clubhouse presence, leadership and game knowledge, has appeared in 68 games, mostly batting leadoff, and has posted a .729 OPS. Hernandez has blasted eight home runs in only 165 at-bats with a .811 OPS while playing every infield position.
Turner, while healthy, is putting together a marvelous season with a .381 batting average and 1.001 OPS. Seager has stroked 12 home runs in continuing his prowess from last season’s third-place MVP finish. Forsythe is only hitting .208 but without consistent playing time, its been tough for him to find a grove. He is hitting better recently, however, and the ability to play third and second base is telling of his commitment to the team’s greater good.
Chris Taylor is another borderline All-Star that has played a huge role for the team this year. He is a shortstop by trade, but has appeared nearly everywhere, tallying nine home runs and ten stolen bases to go along with his .835 OPS.
Catching is another strong suit for the Dodgers. Yasmani Grandal has hit a series of clutch home runs while continually ranking amongst the best defensive catchers in baseball. Though definitely a streaky hitter, his .264 average, along with his ten home runs, might be good enough to get him into the All-Star game. Backup Austin Barnes, who also appears occasionally at second base, is a competent defensive player that is at .876 with his OPS.
Based on the games missed, it would seem that the Infield is the Dodgers’ biggest weakness this year. In fact, that’s far from the truth – the injuries may actually have been the impetus for the organization to feel comfortable with their depth, an aspect that always plays a major part in the pennant chase and postseason. And with Turner, Seager & Forsythe healthy – and Bellinger starting at first – this may be the best infield in baseball.