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.

The Probables

Kike Hernandez

Hernandez can be found anywhere on the field besides pitcher and catcher. He remains frustrating at the plate but has already reached double digits in homers. His versatility is far too valuable, as is his ability to mash lefties, so he’s a lock.

Joc Pederson

From All-Star and Home Run Derby contestant to Minor Leaguer, these past couple years have been a whirlwind for Joc. After being sent down, one can’t help but see similarities between Puig last year and Joc this year. 

Joc is still young, and possess enormous talent. However, many defensive metrics hate him, he still can’t hit lefties and remains far too inconsistent be a reliable run producer.

He still hits bombs when given the opportunity, however. He’ll get another chance in September and will probably be on the postseason roster, but his chances are beginning to run out here.

Curtis Granderson

Some excellent insurance here in case Joc can’t snap out of his funk. Grandy’s Granderslam still proves he can mash. Even at his advanced age, Curtis can still play anywhere in the outfield at least decently. Unless he totally flounders in September, his .800 OPS over 51 postseason games should punch his ticket to the postseason roster in some fashion.

The Unlikely

Andre Ethier

At most, only one of these players will make the postseason roster. My money is on Andre given his experience and aptitude for being clutch. 

However, his skill set is very redundant when compared to Granderson and Pederson. Perhaps Andre has a shot to make it if management wants to keep Cody Bellinger stationed at first if his ankle proves slow to heal. However, it still figures to be an uphill battle for Andre to see much of October.

Alex Verdugo

Before the acquisition of Granderson, LA’s top offensive prospect figured to have an honest shot to show what he has in September to gain some playoff consideration. He should still be called up soon, but it appears the club wants an experienced bat for the final push. The youngster has hit .320 with a .840 OPS in AAA to go along with quality defensive skills anywhere in the outfield.

Franklin Gutierrez

Gutierrez was acquired mainly just to help LA get through the regular season. Guess they didn’t need his help. He hasn’t hit lefties as expected. In fact, he hasn’t hit much of anything as he’s been on the DL for most of the season. His defensive prowess has been sapped by Father Time. You might see him for a few at-bats in September, but that figures to be it.

Trayce Thompson

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There’s no way around it. It’s been a disaster of a year for Trayce as he’s struggled to hit pitching at any level for most of the year. After failing to recover immediately from a major back injury, I’m unwilling to give up on him just yet. Let’s not forget just how good he was for a couple of months last season.

Health figures to be the primary factor in determining the final postseason roster. Luckily for the banged up Dodgers, none of their current injuries seems particularly severe.

Their hearty lead in the division will give them ample time to rest their main guys up for October. However, names like Andre Ethier and Alex Verdugo figure to have a chance to put some heat on Granderson and Pederson if they play lights out.

Next: Hill's Bizarre Game

With so many moving parts, only time will tell what the final outfield picture will look like. This depth-driven Dodger club has already taught us one thing: Competition breeds success.