Dodgers: Three Unresolved Questions Facing the Dodgers

DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 7: Alex Verdugo #61 of the Los Angeles Dodgers runs out a ground ball RBI where he reached on a throwing error against the Colorado Rockies in the fifth inning of a game at Coors Field on September 7, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

3 of 4

GLENDALE, AZ – FEBRUARY 20: Alex Verdugo #63 of the Los Angeles Dodgers poses for a portrait during photo day at Camelback Ranch on February 20, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Rob Tringali/Getty Images) /

Will Alex Verdugo get an extended look in 2019?

Dave Roberts has said that Alex Verdugo will make the Dodgers’ opening day roster. What he hasn’t said is that Verdugo will start in left field. Joc Pederson was not traded during the off-season despite trade rumors swirling for a couple of months. Joc got off to an ice cold start this spring but has come on lately and has two home runs and four double in his last 19 at-bats.

Alex Verdugo has hit .294 this spring but posted a mediocre on-base percentage and slugging percentage. It’s beginning to look like Joc Pederson will begin the season as the Dodgers’ starting left fielder against right-handed starters and Verdugo will need to shine in his opportunities to be given an extended look. Alex has just 100 at-bats in his major league career and is going to need to overtake Joc to get regular at-bats. If he can’t then Verdugo is going to have to fight to get his first long look in the majors.