With Spring Training now underway, the Los Angeles Dodgers have multiple questions to answer before the season begins, which includes some uncertainty with their hitters.
After losing Trea Turner, Justin Turner, Cody Bellinger and Joey Gallo in free agency, the Dodgers will rely on multiple new players to fill their spots. Some of the options include prospects Miguel Vargas, James Outman and Michael Busch, along with veterans such as J.D. Martinez, Jason Heyward, David Peralta and Trayce Thompson.
They will also look for their stars, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman and Will Smith, to help pick up the offensive drop off, while hoping Max Muncy and Chris Taylor rebound from their poor seasons in 2022 and that Gavin Lux continues to progress.
Despite the questions that need to be answered, such as who will play next to Betts in the outfield, and will Lux and Vargas be able to handle the middle infield, the early return on the hitters this camp has been “good,” according to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.
“A lot of these live BPs is for the pitchers specifically to get them ready to face hitters,” the skipper said. “Our guys are doing a good job as far as taking good at-bats and giving those pitchers a look. I think they’re swinging the bats a lot better than I’d have expected.”
So far, Heyward has been the talk of camp with his reworked swing, but he still has a lot to prove in order to make an impact for the Dodgers in 2022. He did show some progress, however, by hitting a home run off Tony Gonsolin during the live bullpen session.
The Dodgers still have a long way to go before their season begins, but it is an encouraging sign to see their hitters performing well this early into Spring.
Chris Taylor part of Dodgers plans for center field
Arguably the biggest question facing the Dodgers right now is who will be the primary center fielder. To replace Bellinger, it has been presumed their primary options competing for the position are Outman, Heyward, Thompson, Taylor and Bradley Zimmer.
Of that group, it seemed Taylor may have been the odd man out due to his positional versatility to fill in at any other position. However, Roberts confirmed Taylor will be part of the mix in center field to begin the season.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
