Dodgers: Position Battles to Watch Down the Stretch

Final Bench Players

Based off of last season, the Dodgers roster will consist of 12 pitchers and 13 position players on their roster. With 8 players starting that would leave five bench slots available.

Assuming the starting 8 are Grandal C, Muncy 1B, Dozier 2B, Machado SS, Turner 3B, Kemp LF, Belly CF, Puig RF.

That leaves 5 spots open. Obviously, one spot will be occupied by a backup catcher, which will likely be the loser of the Grandal/Barnes battle. 4 spots left. Enrique Hernandez and Joc Pederson are not going to be left off of the playoff roster. 2 spots.

The players that could earn those 2 spots are Chris Taylor, David Freese, Alex Verdugo, Chase Utley, Andrew Toles, Kyle Farmer, and Tim Locastro.

Chris Taylor has been disappointing this year. After breaking out in 2017, the NLCS CO-MVP may not even make the playoff roster in 2018. He currently leads the NL in strikeouts with 160. A regression was bound to happen after a tremendous 2017, but nobody expected it to hit him this hard. His versatility, speed, and power are what would thrust him into a playoff spot.

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David Freese was a buzzer beater acquisition during the waiver deadline. He brings a winning pedigree with him. Freese had one of the most memorable World Series moments in history with the Cardinals as his clutch hits helped lead them to a title. He brings a lot to this team and it would be hard to see him being left off the roster.

Chase Utley is in a similar boat with Freese, he brings an abundance of veteran leadership and is not afraid of the bright lights in October. However, he is not the same player he once was and his regression and injuries this year could sadly force him off of the playoff roster. Even if he doesn’t make the roster he will be in the dugout and clubhouse providing that veteran leadership.

Alex Verdugo has a lot to prove this September if he wants to make the roster. Los Angeles has not seen much of him. But, from what they have seen they should be impressed. The kid oozes charisma and confidence. He could be a spark plug for this team and that is why he could earn a spot.

As for the other three, it is hard to make a roster when you hardly touch the field. Locastro will always be under consideration because of his speed. Farmer’s clutch bat could always come in handy. Toles would be another grinder added to the roster and bring a lot to this team