Dodgers: Solving the Left Field Starting Job Question

October 17, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Andre Ethier (16), right fielder Andrew Toles (60) and relief pitcher Pedro Baez (52) during workouts before game three of the NLCS at Dodgers Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

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Andre Ethier:

Just like basically every Dodger last year, Ethier spent the majority of the year hurt and was limited to 16 games. After fracturing his tibia last spring, Andre looks to be back into form as his hot start to spring training indicates.

Since coming up to LA in 2006, Ethier has become a fan favorite and solid player for the Dodgers. As he’s aged, he seems to have regressed a little bit. At this point of his career, Ethier is used almost exclusively against righties. He’s a career .303 hitter vs righties, and a .234 hitter against lefties indicate his time as an every day player may be over.

Ethier has earned himself the starting job, as he is the only known commodity of the bunch. He is also now a platoon player, and will definitely be used that way again in 2017. If he can stay healthy this year, Ethier can be a nice veteran play for the team.

Verdict: Ethier gets the majority of the starts in left to start the year. He will be platooned with another player to maximize his production.

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