Five Questions For The Dodgers Roster Before The Division Series
Five Questions For The Dodgers Roster Before The Division Series
Is Freddie Freeman Healthy (Enough)?
Freddie Freeman has had a challenging year. From a family emergency to a hairline fracture in his finger and, finally, a sprained ankle sustained in the Division-clinching win against the Padres, nothing has been easy for Freeman this season. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said the latest injury would be “limiting’ for Freeman both in running the bases and defensively. The All-Star first basemen will face live pitching at least twice and continue to rehab the ankle before Saturday’s game. It has been said at least for this season, “As Freddie Freeman goes, so go the Dodgers.” Freeman will play. How effective he will be is another question entirely.
Who Gets The Last Position Spot On The Roster?
Chris Taylor and Kevin Kiermaier are vying for the last position spot on the division series roster. The Dodgers got Kiermaier for his gold-glove defense in center field. The other things to consider are that the veteran is a left-handed bat off the bench and can bunt runners over. However, he is hitting below a .200 average, and the Dodgers rarely bunt.
There is no question that Chris Taylor has struggled mightily this season. However, he can play six different positions on the diamond and his defense is better than average. He has also hit an average above .300 since the All-Star Break. Finally, Taylor has had some clutch postseason hits, including the 2017 World Series against the Houston Astros and the clinching two-run home run against the St. Louis Cardinals in the 2019 Wild Card.
