Dodgers: Storylines to Watch in This Year’s Spring Training

Who will emerge from the pack in left field?

Speaking of Matt Kemp, the Dodgers will enter spring training with the left field job wide open.  It will be a battle royale with Andrew Toles, Alex Verdugo, Kike Hernandez, Joc Pederson, and possibly even Matt Kemp among others.  Kike Hernandez will likely draw most of the left-field starts when there is a left-handed starting pitcher on the mound, but when there is not the rest of the left fielders will be in the mix to play.

Andrew Toles will look to bounce back after recovering from a torn ACL.  Toles was off to a great start in 2017, he had a .271 average to go along five home runs in only 31 games, but he then suffered his injury diving for a ball in left field.  If Toles can come back strong and win the job, the Dodgers could have a true leadoff hitter and be able to hit Chris Taylor lower in order to drive in more runs.

Alex Verdugo will also have a shot to win the left field job, and he might be the best option out of all the competitors if he can show he belongs.  Verdugo has speed, the ability to make contact most of the time, and a rocket arm that would solidify the Dodgers outfield defense even more.  Verdugo will need a strong spring training otherwise he could be destined for Triple-A so that he plays every day.

Left field is arguably the biggest open competition of any spot on this year’s Dodgers team.  It will be interesting to see how it all plays out, and who wins the starting job.