Los Angeles Dodgers: The positions that should be platooned in 2019
By Jason Reed
The Los Angeles Dodgers appear to be on the path of platooning less in 2019 but should still have some platoons on a deep roster.
The Los Angeles Dodgers used platoons on a daily basis down the stretch of the 2018 season and it led to so many different lineup combinations and even some interesting lineups that were fielded in October.
The platoons were not that popular with fans and it is understandable if it is not popular with the players. Guys like Cody Bellinger deserve to be in the starting lineup nearly every night, not be reserved for pinch-hit chances when the team faces a southpaw.
Comments made by manager Dave Roberts indicate that the Dodgers are moving away from using as many platoons in 2019. Last season, platooning so often was a survival tactic for the Dodgers. This season, with two added right-handed bats in A.J. Pollock and Russell Martin and the addition of Alex Verdugo, platooning is not as necessary.
That does not mean that the Dodgers should completely rid the platoon as it is useful when it is used in the right circumstances. Of course, if one side of the platooning is performing against both arms, the need for a platoon dissolves.
We should hopefully see far fewer platoons in 2019 and more of a traditional everyday lineup. However, here are the three positions that we think should be platooned in 2019.