The initial wave of call-ups the Los Angeles Dodgers made last weekend included highly-touted outfield prospect Alex Verdugo. He joined the team after batting .314/.389/.436 with 27 doubles, four triples, six home runs and 62 RBI in 117 games with Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Verdugo is considered one of the organization’s top hitting prospects and was long viewed a likely candidate to join the Dodgers once active rosters expanded. The notion was furthered as he put together a strong campaign in his first season with Oklahoma City.
Since receiving the call-up, the 21-year-old started in each of his first four games with the Dodgers. That includes both games of the doubleheader at Petco Park.
According to Andy McCullough of the L.A. Times, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Verdugo is in position to play his way onto the playoff roster:
Vergudo, a 21-year-old center fielder, will compete for a spot on the playoff roster, and his role could be significant, Roberts said.
The Dodgers haven’t shied away from inexperience when constructing a postseason roster, as they carried rookies Grant Dayton, Andrew Toles and Julio Urias last October.
Prior to Verdugo making his MLB debut, Roberts made it clear the Dodgers intended to provide him with ample playing time over the final month of the regular season. Each of Verdugo’s starts have come in center field, though he’s capable of playing the corner outfield positions as well.
Verdugo may see time in left field or right field once the Dodgers recall Joc Pederson from Oklahoma City. Roberts acknowledged the club expects Pederson to join them, but he did not specify a target date or timeline.
In five games with the Dodgers, Verdugo is 2-for-11 with two walks and two strikeouts. This week provides him with an opportunity to play at Dodger Stadium for the first time in his career.
