Dodgers: Predicting the Outfield Come Playoff Time

The Dodgers have lost numerous outfielders this season which begs the question of how the playoff outfield will look like when healthy.

Outfielders Scott Van Slyke, Andrew Toles and Brett Eibner are gone for the season because of injury or trade. Franklin Gutierrez, who has been injured or ineffective for the Dodgers through most of the season, is still rehabbing in the minors. Trayce Thompson has been MIA in the outfield for most of the season because of ineffectiveness as he still tries to recover from a serious back injury.

Andre Either is expected back soonish but is considered somewhat of a long shot to make the postseason roster after missing most of the season again because of injury. Joc Pederson has been sent down due to an extended slump. After all that, somehow, the Dodgers’ outfield still resembles the 405 during rush hour. It’s been stated ad nauseum, but the depth the Dodgers possess is unbelievable.

They still have the powerful Yasiel Puig guarding right field. Chris Taylor can often be found somewhere in the outfield. The team just acquired slugging outfielder Curtis Granderson from the Mets. Cody Bellinger figures to be playing more frequently in the outfield with the return of veteran one-bagger Adrian Gonzalez. Kike Hernandez can play any position besides catcher and pitcher.

After all that, the Dodgers still have their top offensive prospect Alex Verdugo who plays everywhere in the outfield and is expected to make an appearance soon. 

You’re probably wondering how this army of outfielders could fit into what figures to be a four (MAYBE five) man outfield comes postseason time. Let’s take a minute and try to sort through all of this.