When the Los Angeles Dodgers officially set their 2016 Opening Day roster under first-year manager Dave Roberts, it came with some previously unexpected additions due to the injuries multiple players sustained during Spring Training.
The Dodgers’ starting rotation and outfield were particularly affected, which opened the door for the likes of Ross Stripling and Trayce Thompson. More opportunities were created for Thompson when Carl Crawford and Scott Van Slyke both landed on the disabled list shortly after the season began.
In his first season with the Dodgers, the 25-year-old Thompson has been utilized by Roberts at all three outfield positions and as a counter to left-handed pitching.
Thompson is 9-for-29 this season against southpaws, with two doubles, two home runs and six RBIs. His latest home run landed on a catwalk at Tropicana Field, never finding its way to the bleachers in left-center field.
Thompson hoped to retrieve the ball prior to Wednesday’s game, but was denied access on the catwalk by the Tampa Bay Rays due to safety concerns. In recently discussing Thompson, Roberts noted the progress the young outfielder has already made, via Bill Plunkett of the O.C. Register:
“He’s learning. He’s getting better. The game is slowing down every day,” Roberts said. “For me, he’s past the point (of proving he belongs in the major leagues). … I’m sure he wants to play well and prove he belongs here. You have to prove that to yourself too. But he asks the right questions. That’s good to see from a young player.”
In 24 games played, including 13 starts, Thompson is batting .268/.305/.446 with four doubles, the aforementioned two home runs, and nine RBIs. Although he’s largely split time with Joc Pederson in center field, Roberts maintains the setup is not a platoon.
Along with Micah Johnson and Frankie Montas, Thompson was acquired last December from the Chicago White Sox in a three-team trade in which the Dodgers sent Brandon Dixon, Scott Schebler and Jose Peraza to the Cincinnati Reds.
Prior to this season, Thompson had 44 games of Major League experience — all coming in 2015 — with the White Sox.
