As the Los Angeles Dodgers continue with the final week of Cactus League play, they will soon have some decisions to make regarding their Opening Day roster.
The club still has to finalize their starting rotation behind Clayton Kershaw, Walker Buehler and Trevor Bauer. As has been the case since the start of Spring Training, the final two spots figure to go to some combination of David Price, Julio Urias, Dustin May and Tony Gonsolin.
What’s more, the Dodgers’ bench seemingly has an opening as well. One player that has made his case for a spot is Matt Beaty, whose left-handed bat and versatility could give him an advantage over others on the roster bubble.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts all but confirmed Beaty will be breaking camp with the team and make the Opening Day roster, per Jorge Castillo of the L.A. Times:
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Matt Beaty has “earned” a spot on the opening day roster, seemingly closing the door on one of the two bench vacancies thought to be up for grabs.
With the universal designated hitter not in place for the 2021 season, Beaty could be in line for more opportunities as a pinch-hitter. He also figures to split time in left field with the likes of AJ Pollock and Chris Taylor.
Other ways for Beaty to get on the field could be spelling Max Muncy at first base and occasionally receiving opportunities in right field when Mookie Betts is out of the lineup.
Beaty focused on ‘explosive movements’ with training
To prepare for a return to right field and potentially more opportunities in general, Beaty adjusted his offseason training program. “We worked a lot on explosive movements, getting to top speed a little bit quicker,” he explained.
“I worked hard with Eric Yavarone, our strength coach that was here (in Arizona). We worked hard this offseason of not necessarily trying to add strength, but just trying to add explosive movements, being able to get good reads in the outfield, get that good first step, being able to get out of the box a little bit quicker, get down the line, hit doubles and all that stuff.
“Just trying to be a little bit faster than what I have been in the past.”
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