The Los Angeles Dodgers used the trade deadline to acquire much-needed relief help and also added Alex Call as a fourth outfielder.
The Dodgers were reportedly interested in Harrison Bader, but he ended up being traded from the Minnesota Twins to the Philadelphia Phillies, who were one of the most aggressive teams at the deadline.
L.A. ended up coming to an agreement with the Washington Nationals for Call in exchange for pitching prospects Eriq Swan and Sean Paul Liñan.
With their interest in Bader and eventual trade for Call, it was clear the Dodgers targeted a specific archetype. Both have been positive contributors on offense, have good speed and a strong arm that can help elevate outfield defense.
In many ways, Call and the Dodgers are a perfect match, including his use of virtual reality to prepare as a batter. He said utilizing an Oculus VR headset to study pitchers has been key to developing and maintaining a successful approach at the plate.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers have made an effort to be at the forefront of its implementation as a tool for its players, which Call is excited to take advantage of. They installed a Trajekt Arc machine at Camelback Ranch and then at Dodger Stadium due to its popularity.
“I’ve just been grinding with my own headset. Just set aside time each day to watch pitchers, watch the bullpens, get ready for who’s coming in,” Call said. “I’ll definitely take advantage of all these resources. I love the technology and things like that.”
As for his role with the Dodgers, Call is looking to help in any way he can.
“I’m going to be ready for whatever,” he said. “I think there’s obviously a ton of great players here, established players. “Really, whatever they ask of me, I’m going to give it all I have and play to the best of my ability. I’ll be ready for anything.”
Call has strong numbers against right-handed pitchers this season, but has been most effective against lefties. As long as Michael Conforto continues his good run at the plate, Call figures to move around the outfield whenever someone needs a game off.
Call was not in the lineup for Friday’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays but pinch-hit for Conforto in the eighth inning and remained in at left field.
Alex Call takes pride in approach
One of the reasons the Dodgers valued Call is his ability to be a tough out at the plate. Call is able to make contact at a high rate and has a good understanding of the strike zone, which can be challenging for opposing pitchers.
Call’s main goal with his approach is to make life easier for the top of the lineup, which will be beneficial for the Dodgers’ offense.
“That is my whole game,” he said. “I’m going to grind out at-bats, put the ball in play, take my walks, make it tough on the pitcher, lengthen out the lineup and really make guys work so hopefully they’re tired when the top of the order comes back around.
“For me, it’s just about having that mentality to where it doesn’t matter if I have two strikes or it’s an 0-0 count, I believe I’m comfortable in every situation, I’m going to put the ball in play to help the team and hit the ball at good angles that I have the best probability of getting a hit.”
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