The Los Angeles Dodgers host the Houston Astros in Games 1 and 2 of the World Series on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively. Returning to Dodger Stadium for the first time in over a year is Josh Reddick, who spent the second half of last season with Los Angeles.
Reddick was acquired by the Dodgers from the Oakland Athletics at the 2016 non-waiver trade deadline, along with Rich Hill, in a deal that filled two needs in one transaction. Prior to his arrival, Reddick batted .296/.368/.449 with 11 doubles and eight home runs in 272 plate appearances.
His time with the Dodgers didn’t go as planned, however, as the 30-year-old slashed a mere .258/.307/.335 in 167 opportunities, with six doubles and two home runs.
Now thriving with the Astros, Reddick made it known that he wanted to face the Dodgers in the World Series, because of treatment from their fans last season.
Expanding on his comments, Reddick said he expects more heckling from Dodgers fans, per Jeff Fletcher of the Southern California News Group:
“This is going to be fun,” the Houston Astros right fielder said. “I expect the full hazing as I should deserve. I enjoyed my time here. I enjoyed my time as a Dodger. I didn’t do as well as I’d hoped, as well as anybody hoped, I’m sure.”
Reddick showed signs of improvement during the 2016 postseason, going 8-for-26 (.308) with two RBI and three stolen bases. But his subpar showing during the regular season led to little traction between Reddick and the Dodgers once free agency began.
In 540 plate appearances this season with Houston, Reddick owned a robust .314/.363/.484 slash line with 34 doubles and 13 home runs.
He jumped out to a nice start offensively this postseason, hitting .375/.444/.375 in 18 trips to the plate during the American League Division Series.
The nine-year veteran struggled mightily, however, in the AL Championship Series, tallying just one hit in 25 at-bats against the New York Yankees — good for a .040 batting average.
