Dodgers: It’s Time for the Veterans to Step Up Big

Both, Chase Utley and Andre Ethier have run out of some steam over the span of the last two, or so years. Under the current standing of the Los Angeles Dodgers though, these two need to find a way to buckle down the guys in the clubhouse and get back on track. These two veterans need their years of clubhouse presence to combine for a strong finish to the regular season.

Los Angeles currently holds a young, talented roster; with only a few players that have really been around the tracks. Not to say that Rich Hill does not have valuable experience, but there is a much stronger case for the duo of Chase Utley and Andre Ethier in being more heavily involved in past postseason runs.

Utley seems like a sure bet to be on the postseason roster, but the fellow outfielder Andre Ethier, may not be able to land a spot. Due to recurring injuries, Ethier has gone from being a prominent star in the Dodgers’ lineup to an unlikely character through the season. But even with multiple injury cases, Andre Ethier is still one of the most respected players in the clubhouse.

There is a lot of value that the Dodgers can really use down the stretch with Ethier being healthy. By managing his way through quality at-bats and steady defense, Ethier can still produce, if given a chance. If anyone knows how to prepare for everyday play, you can count on ‘Dre to be your guy to lead by example.

More from Dodgers Way

• Kevin Kiermaier being ‘top target’ to replace Cody Bellinger is bad sign for Dodgers
• Are the Dodgers really prepared to hand Shohei Ohtani a blank check?
• Dodgers fans shouldn’t dismiss interest in Dansby Swanson for this reason
• Giants laughably sign pitcher that Dodgers absolutely own
• Dave Roberts’ quote about Padres in NLDS should motivate Dodgers

Making the postseason roster will certainly be difficult with the current overloaded outfield, but it is still within reach. Not only will Andre be competing for himself throughout the course of this month, but he will also be competing to show the youngsters how to get things done in the clutch.

If he can find success and prove his worth going into October, Ethier might lock down a spot on the playoff roster. It seems that playoffs bring out a different fire in veterans and they are able to rise to the occasion. Dodger fans and the organization have always loved Andre, and they know that he is someone worth counting on when you need a player to step up and lead a team.

Regarding being a leader in the locker room, look no further than “The Silver Fox,” Chase Utley. Having competed in two Fall classics, Chase is as gifted as they come in the playoffs. The regular season has always been a stage in which the 38-year-old has remained consistent, and logged decent numbers.

He has always been a hard working, dedicated, and respectable man that plays the game the way it’s supposed to be played. Those traits alone were able to leverage him into more than one contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Those intangibles separate him from many other veterans in the league. Should Chase continue to play regular baseball, he should – almost easily – land a spot on the postseason roster, but in the time up until then, he might also be counted on as the guy to kick start some winning ways for the Dodgers, once again.

Next: Playoff Vulnerabilities

By having two quality veterans, who have no trouble taking on a leadership role, the potential spots for Chase Utley and Andre Ethier on the playoff roster could work itself out very positively. These ‘one-of-a-kind’ veterans are proven leaders and should earn spots at the end of the season unless they find themselves underperforming. Hopefully, they finish the season on a high note. Hopefully, they have another good ride left in them to lead this Dodger ball club to an exciting October, and ultimately, a World Series.