The Los Angeles Dodgers are entering this season with much of the same group of infielders from 2015, which is a versatile collection of talent. Outside of Adrian Gonzalez and A.J. Ellis, each infielder is capable of playing multiple positions.
In addition, outfielder Scott Van Slyke has spent time at first base over the past four seasons. Throughout much of the offseason the only notable change was expected to come at second base, where Kiké Hernnadez and Chase Utley were slated to platoon.
However, that went out the window when the Dodgers somewhat surprisingly re-signed Howie Kendrick to a two-year, $20 million contract.
Kendrick spent last season as the Dodgers’ primary second baseman, but president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said his return was in part due to Kendrick’s willingness to play other positions.
While Hernandez, Kendrick and Utley figure to move around the infield, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Corey Seager will remain at shortstop, according to David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports:
Dave Roberts said that #Dodgers will not have Seager play 3B in spring, they prefer to keep him at SS.
— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) February 24, 2016
Justin Turner is also expected to remain at his primary position, per Bill Plunkett of the OC Register:
Roberts also said Turner will not be moving from 3B. Has played 2B, SS, 1B for #Dodgers past 2 yrs. "I don't see us deviating from that"
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) February 24, 2016
Seager’s height has led to semi-constant speculation he eventually will be moved over to third base. However, Friedman and others in the Dodgers front office have maintained Seager can succeed at shortstop despite being taller than a prototypical player at that position.
Seager took hold of the starting job at shortstop, capitalizing on an opportunity created by Jimmy Rollins missing time due to a sprained right index finger. Seager also played six games, including four starts, at third base last season.
Since making the Dodgers roster out of Spring Training in 2014, Turner has received time at first base, second base, third base and shortstop. However, he supplanted Uribe as the Dodgers starting third baseman last season.
Seager is working to recover from losing 15 pounds over two weeks as a result of having his tonsils removed. Meanwhile, Turner is coming off microfracture surgery on his left knee.
