Los Angeles Dodgers: A.J. Pollock eyeing a return

The Los Angeles Dodgers have continued to be successful despite some significant injuries, although the team is soon getting one player back.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have dealt with the usual rash of injuries that any major league team must deal with during the regular season. Despite the injuries, the team has been unaffected, racing to the best record in Major League Baseball as the All-Star Break approaches.

Recently, the Dodgers have gotten some good news; their free agent signing A.J. Pollock looks to be on the road to recovery.

Pollock was their big free agent signing in the off-season for the Dodgers, leaving the rival Arizona Diamondbacks to be the Dodgers’ everyday center fielder. His track record as an often injured player came with him and he was brought down by a serious staph infection related to a previously repaired elbow injury.

Pollock has taken batting practice for the first time since the injury and is looking to begin a rehab assignment soon. A target date for after the All-Star break seems realistic for Pollock’s return.

The Dodgers have gone 35-15 without Pollock after starting the season 19-11 with him. The breakout player has been rookie Alex Verdugo, who has been filling in for him.

Verdugo has a slash line .304/.353/.487/.840 while hitting seven home runs and driving in 32 runs. A Pollock return could mean less playing time for him, but how can you sit a young player who has adapted so well to the majors.

A player signed for four years at 60 million dollars can’t stay sidelined which is a waste of capital, meaning the likely scenario of Pollock platooning the most feasible option. Verdugo might work in this scenario except he hits left-handed pitchers almost as equally as right-handed pitchers.

Pollock could split time with Pederson who has never hit left-handed pitching a .179 hitter against lefties.

The best case scenario is a platoon with Pederson while spelling Verdugo to prevent fatigue for the rookie who has never played the lengthy Major League schedule.

As Pollock gets back into full swing and if he starts contributing more, the team can make him the everyday center fielder again with Verdugo in left field and Pederson platooning at first base with David Freese, once he returns.

With Pollock and possibly Corey Seager eyeing returns post-All-Star break, a dangerous Dodgers team could boast the most depth in the league when fully healthy.

The question remains if Pollock will start to pay dividends for the Los Angeles Dodgers’ substantial investment.