Among the many changes in the new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between MLB and the Players Association (MLBPA) is the implementation of a universal designated hitter, which arguably benefits the Los Angeles Dodgers more than any other team.
Through the first three games of the regular season, the Dodgers have used the DH spot as a revolving door of sorts, rotating players as a means of getting some rest from playing the field.
That strategy was evident during the club’s Opening Series against the Colorado Rockies as Justin Turner, Edwin Rios and Max Muncy all saw time at DH.
“I would say Justin, Max and Will Smith get some DH,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said of the plan moving forward.
Turner, now in his age-37 season, is an obvious candidate to be one of the Dodgers’ primary DH. Muncy continuing to see time at DH also makes sense as he is coming off an elbow injury.
And while Smith has cemented himself as the Dodgers’ starting catcher, the Dodgers can keep his bat in the lineup at DH on days when he isn’t behind the plate.
With one of the deepest lineups in baseball, the Dodgers can also use the DH spot to give more opportunities to bench players such as Rios.
Dodgers continue road trip against Twins
After dropping two of three against the Rockies, the Dodgers continue their road trip with a brief two-game Interleague series against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field.
Andrew Heaney is slated to make his Dodgers debut in Tuesday’s opener, though the weather forecast doesn’t look promising. The left-hander will be followed by Clayton Kershaw in the finale before the Dodgers return to L.A. for their home opener against the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday.
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