Los Angeles Dodgers: Constructing the team’s NLDS roster
By Jason Reed
Infield
The Dodgers infield is pretty much a foregone conclusion, with none of these names really sticking out as a surprise. The biggest snub to the roster, in fact, is Adrian Gonzalez. While I have fought for Gonzalez in the past, he simply is not producing the way someone like Chase Utley or Austin Barnes can. Gonzalez’ veteran leadership can still be present without making the roster.
As for the starting infield, it is what you would expect. Cody Bellinger and Justin Turner will man the corners while Seager will play the infield. Yasmani Grandal will likely start against right-handed pitchers with Logan Forsythe at second against lefties.
In a weird, platoon way, I think we see Austin Barnes getting as much playing time as Seager, Turner and Bellinger. Against right-handed pitching, Barnes is the best option to play second base as he hits .327 against right-handers. Forsythe is hitting .200 and Utley is a .237 mark.
Then, against southpaws, Forsythe is significantly better than Barnes with his .297 average, however, Barnes is far better than Grandal. While Barnes does his right-handers better, his .856 OPS against lefties is far better than Grandal’s .669 OPS.
In a nutshell, Dodger fans should expect Austin Barnes on the field a lot in the NLDS, and it very well could pan out. He has been the team’s silent assassin, so maybe he will light up the postseason.