Dodgers’ Veterans Becoming More Familiar With Postseason Roles

Adrian Gonzalez

Gonzo has been a beloved player by the entire Southern California region for years, and for good reason. Adrian was as consistent as any dominant hitter of his generation and always had very high expectations.

Performing well enough to earn five All-Star Game appearances, four Gold Glove Awards and two Silver Slugger awards, as part of the San Diego Padres and Dodgers; Gonzalez has been a staple on every team that he has played for.

Even when doubters thought that age might catch up to him a couple of years ago, he remained solid at first base. Fast-forwarding to present day – the now 35-year-old veteran has dealt with an injury-plagued 2017 season and in-turn, opened the door wide open for rookie phenom, Cody Bellinger.

Now into the last legs of the season, it seems as though Adrian would be healthy enough to take on a starting role in the postseason, but it just isn’t realistic. Dave Roberts expressed to Gonzalez that he will be limited to pinch-hitting duties in October.

This was arguably the biggest ‘no-brainer’, since Bellinger has outperformed any rookie expectations throughout all aspects of the game. Heading into the last few regular season games, Gonzalez expressed his own interest in wanting to pinch-hit rather than starting, to hopefully give himself a taste of what he will need to do in order to prepare himself for playoffs.