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Dodgers That Didn’t Make the Cut for the Start of 2017

By Anthony Perez

Mar 11, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodger infielder Chris Taylor (3) prepares for his at bat during a spring training game against the Los Angeles Angels at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodger infielder Chris Taylor (3) prepares for his at bat during a spring training game against the Los Angeles Angels at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Los Angeles Dodgers
Mar 7, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Chris Taylor (3) slaps hands with Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez (23) after scoring a run against the San Francisco Giants during the fourth inning at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

Chris Taylor

Coming into spring training, Chris Taylor had played a total of 34 games for the Dodgers. Used mostly as a backup to Corey Seager, Taylor’s most valuable aspect on the field was (and still is) his defensive ability and versatility. In 62 at-bats for the team last season, Taylor was only able to muster up a .258 OBP, which is an indication of his weakness as a hitter.

During the spring however, Taylor had an OPS of 1.022, which showed some improvement in his bat. However, it wasn’t enough to earn him a spot on the 25 man roster. Taylor has started putting in some work in the outfield to bump up his versatility, but for now, he will stay in AAA. Expect to see him back on the major league the roster sometime this year if injuries and struggles start to appear.

Los Angeles Dodgers
Mar 4, 2017; Mesa, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Charlie Culberson (6) prepares for his at bat during a spring training game against the Chicago Cubs at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports /

Charlie Culberson

The man who put an exclamation point at the end of last year’s regular season was not on the roster to begin the new season. With no clear spot to play in, Charlie Culberson has been relegated to the minors for the time being.

Culberson is in a position very similar to Taylor’s as he is a glove first player who also played in 34 games last year. Charlie did show some stints of offensive ability, but he is not known for a strong bat. If he does come up to the majors, expect him to be used as a defensive player who offers little upside at the plate.

Enrique Hernandez beat out both Charlie and Chris for the utility spot on the roster.

It is likely that, because Hernandez is able to play in center field, Dave Roberts decided to go with him to start the season. In the case of Culberson, expect him to get a shot this season if Taylor doesn’t prove his worth. If Taylor does prove himself, Charlie may not see LA at all in 2017.

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