The Los Angeles Dodgers returned most of their roster from last year’s group that won the World Series, plus made quality additions that have as the favorites to repeat as champions this season.
The Dodgers have always prided themselves on organizational depth, and this arguably will be their deepest team ever with a roster full of stars and bench players who would be starters on many other teams.
One such player that falls into the latter category is Edwin Rios, who has done nothing but hit since making his MLB debut in 2019. In 60 career games, Rios has hit .260/.338/.634 with 12 home runs and 25 RBI, but still finds himself without a starting position.
“I’ve never had much doubt. I knew what I was capable of,” Rios said. “What I always tell myself is I can control what I can control. Just keep waiting for the opportunities and take advantage of them when I get them.”
Rios added he is unsure of what his role will be, but is looking forward to making the most of the chances he gets as he has in the past.
“I know I’m going to get opportunities,” he said. “That’s all I can ask for. Just take advantage of those when I get them.”
The 26-year-old also excelled in the postseason for L.A., hitting a pair of home runs in 18 at-bats. He unfortunately missed time due to a groin injury though, which required rehab during the first portion of the offseason.
“Obviously with the whole groin stuff, I tried to take it easy and focus on that. But when I did get to hitting, I was hitting a lot and doing a lot of machine work,” Rios explained. “Just trying to see some velo.”
The injury forced him to switch up his workout routine, which he feels will keep him healthy in 2021. “Yeah, I changed it up a little bit. I did a lot more stability stuff, a little more muscle. If I can stay on the field that will be a good thing.
“I think I’m in a really good spot. I kept the mobility and conditioning I had last year, and was able to put on good weight. Keep the body fat down. Probably the best shape I’ve been in.”
Rios unable to continue workouts with Larkin
In past offseasons, Rios has worked out with former MLB great Barry Larkin, with the two getting in the boxing ring to train.
With the pandemic still going on, they weren’t able to get together this offseason.
“No, we didn’t get to work together this offseason with all the COVID stuff. It was hard to put all that together,” Rios said. “On my own with another guy, but it went great. Definitely different, but stuff I needed to work on and get stronger in certain areas, and I did that.
“I did stuff similar for conditioning, but not so much of the boxing. Obviously different times with the shut down. Being able to get into a facility to strengthen my body so I can stay on the field and be healthy was kind of my biggest thing.”
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