Dodgers’ Veterans Becoming More Familiar With Postseason Roles

With no more than a couple of series remaining during the regular season schedule, Dodgers players and coaches are gearing up for their October run. Now, more than ever, it is essential that the player personnel understand certain individual roles.

Obviously, everyone counts on one-another to make smart decisions and be on the ball, but there are also specifics that tie in for a few players; both young and old and the Dodgers’ are no exception.

Of course, when you have the likes of Clayton Kershaw, Corey Seager and Kenley Jansen, you already have an idea of what can be expected: elite consistency. To be noted, however, there will be veterans who are going to be asked to take a different approach into the postseason. Some, like Adrian Gonzalez, for example, have already been notified of how they will impact games.

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.

Curtis Granderson

The Granderson Project has been less than flattering. Curtis has posted a nearly laughable .126 batting average since coming to the Dodgers (stats via baseball reference). It is never a good sign to see a veteran struggle, especially when a key reason for acquiring Granderson was to get through the late-season stretch with productive depth and excel in the postseason.

It may have been a shot in the dark to buy into a player like Granderson, but with the struggles of Joc Pederson and Kike Hernandez, Curtis only adds more questions into the October outfield.

The remainder of the games for the regular season might see Granderson taking more at-bats against RHP, for a potential platoon role in the playoffs, or even a pinch-hitting role for RBI spots.

Dave Roberts still seems to have a lot of confidence in him though (Hector Ponce does too) and has given him a steady amount of starts, but it is not out of the question to have his role reduced heavily, and seeing less playing time.

Andre Ethier

In the midst of what looks to be a crowded outfield on the playoff roster, Andre Ethier could be the one who gives Los Angeles a vibrant bright spot.

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Andre could still end up as a platoon player, but you just have to think that Dodger fans want to see him start every day until the season ends. Much like Utley or Gonzalez on this list of veterans, it is so tough to give up on this guy.

It makes sense to try and settle Ethier back into an everyday position in left field, considering the struggles of Granderson and Pederson have left many people scratching their head.

This definitely seems to be an opportunity where Dave Roberts could look like a genius for giving back the keys to roam left field; only if he is up and willing to play it through with Dre.

Like Dre, Dodgers’ veterans will have to earn their worth just as much as any player on the club. Looking into what is ahead, a handful will have to adapt to different roles; and not only accept, but harness their opportunities as they come.

Next: Granderson WILL Step Up

Every player is itching to start this postseason and hopefully, shine on the big stage, so we will see how these veterans – among everyone else – stack up and contribute to close out the season.