Heading into Spring Training, Los Angeles Dodgers top prospect Alex Verdugo was looking to prove that he can be an everyday player at the big league level as he had already established a history of sustained success with Triple-A Oklahoma City.
While there isn’t exactly a clear roster spot available with A.J. Pollock in center field, Cody Bellinger in right and Joc Pederson in left, Verdugo is doing everything he can to make things tough for Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.
Verdugo’s full talent was on display on Sunday afternoon when the Dodgers defeated the Texas Rangers, 6-3, at Camelback Ranch. Verdugo was responsible for four of the six runs as he went 2-for-3 with two doubles, two RBI and two runs scored.
The second double came in a big spot, as the were bases loaded with two outs in the third inning. His opposite-field hit sparked what amounted to a four-run rally for the Dodgers.
2-for-3, 2 RBI, 2 runs, 2 doubles for Alex Verdugo through five. 👀 #DodgersST pic.twitter.com/AhM8610fy4
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) March 3, 2019
Verdugo’s skill set is unique in that he doesn’t strike out a lot, he likes to use the whole field and he runs the bases extremely well, which all seem to be dying qualities in the sport today.
Overall on the spring, the 22-year-old is now 6-for-18 (.333 batting average) with four RBI in seven games.
It will be interesting to see what the organization decides to do with him if he continues producing at this rate, but one thing that is a foregone conclusion is that he will be ready whenever he gets his opportunity at the Major League level.
