Los Angeles Dodgers: Bold predictions for Corey Seager in 2019
By Jason Reed
2. Corey Seager is the only Dodger to start more than 150 games
The Los Angeles Dodgers love to utilize the versatility on the field to create platoons that not only gives the players some needed days off but also gives the team the best possible matchup against that day’s opposing pitcher.
Because of these platoons, there really was not any clear-cut bench on the Dodgers and the starting lineup shifted on a day-by-day basis. Towards the end of the year when the team was making its division push, the only everyday guys were Justin Turner and Manny Machado.
Seager is going to take over that role from Machado and join Turner as the only everyday players on the team. You could make the case that Cody Bellinger will be an everyday guy as well, either in the outfield or first base. However, if Bellinger continues to struggle as he does against southpaws, he will sit quite a few games.
When it comes down to games started, though, Seager will be the only one of the team with more than 150. While there is just as good of a chance that Turner hits the mark as well, I would not trust Justin Turner to play in 150 games.
He has only done so once in his career and has been battling various minor injuries the last several years. None were really his fault and were more of a freak of nature, but they do happen. With his age in mind as well, Turner will likely tip-toe the 150 line but not hit it.
Enrique Hernandez will probably hit 150 games played in 2019, although they all won’t be starts as he will appear a lot as a pinch hitter or double switch option.