Dodgers: Infielders August Grade Report

Austin Barnes -A –

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Barnes has been a pleasant surprise this season. After coming into spring training with his roster spot in question, he’s done more than silence the critics in his playing time this season. He is a valuable asset to the team with his versatility and constant ability to put the ball in play whenever he finds himself in the lineup. During August he made starts at catcher, second base, and for the first time in his career out in the outfield. Barnes slashed .342/.444/.421 during August. Those marks are good enough for top 5 in the club.  Barnes only had 45 plate appearances, but his play has Dodger fans asking for more playing time and gives him an A for August.

Chase Utley – C – Utley’s biggest issue this season continues to be his ability to put the ball in play. At 38-years-old Utley is a viable replacement to give starters days off but we may be looking at the Silver Fox’s last season in his career. Utley slashed .239/.314/.370 to earn him a C grade for August.

Kike Hernandez – D – Hernandez’s biggest value to the club is that he’s played everyone on the diamond. Yes, he’s played 7 different positions this season, and I’d expect he’d try out catcher before the season ends. Kike gets the majority of his playing time against left-handers and really struggles to get hits without consistent at-bats. Hernandez slashed .152/.235/.261 in 51 plate appearances, which are by far the worst marks on the team. Kike’s charisma brings a lot to this Dodger club, and trying to get into a groove without consistent at-bats is difficult for any major leaguer to do. Unfortunately, we’re going to need to see more production from Kike if he’s going to make the postseason roster. He gets a D.

Next: Joc and Trayce Recalled

Adrian Gonzalez – Incomplete – Gonzalez didn’t have the opportunity to show how healthy he was with a full month sample size. He did have some good swings early on when he was activated, but that didn’t translate to much success in the box score. Gonzalez slashed .191/.220/.340 in 50 plate appearances. With the depth that this club has, Dave Roberts is going to need to see Gonzalez continue to progress from those good at-bats. His postseason spot should be in questions as we reach the final month of the season.