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Dodgers: Four reasons why the universal DH could be beneficial

ByJeffrey Bellone|
Los Angeles Dodgers could benefit from universal DH (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Dodgers could benefit from universal DH (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 09: The Los Angeles Dodgers dug out celebrate after Max Muncy #13 hit a two run home run in the first inning of game five of the National League Division Series against the Washington Nationals at Dodger Stadium on October 09, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

1) Best suited among NL teams

The Dodgers already have several options on their roster to fill the designated hitter spot each night, something not every National League club can say.

They don’t have to scurry to sign a free agent, or pull off a last-minute trade in order to adjust their roster for the designated hitter role. They can rely on the talent they have in house.

Whether it’s playing AJ Pollock in an everyday role, instead of a strict platoon with Joc Pederson, or finding more at-bats for current bench players, such as Enrique Hernandez, Chris Taylor, and Matt Beaty, or using an expanded roster to utilize a player like Edwin Rios, who otherwise would have been destined to start the season in the minor leagues, there are plenty of options.

FanGraphs projected the win above replacement value of potential DH players on National League teams, and the Dodgers were the only NL team with a projected value that ranked them within the top five among American League teams who were built to hit for the pitcher.

Compared to their competition, the Dodgers have an inherent advantage if MLB decides to institute the DH in the National League.

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