After Matt Beaty and AJ Pollock combined to make franchise history behind an offensive explosion, only the latter was in the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup the following night for the series opener against the Chicago Cubs.
“Matt had a heck of a day and it was great. But I think the thing for our club and for Matt to impact our club, it’s to get periodic starts to keep him sharp and be that valuable bat off the bench,” manager Dave Roberts explained.
“Max Muncy, I don’t think there’s any question who our first baseman is, so that was an off day for him to get him back in there [Monday]. AJ Pollock has been swinging the bat really well, so my plan is to get Matty in there [Tuesday].”
Mother Nature then intervened as the first game at Wrigley Field was postponed because of inclement weather. A split doubleheader came and went Tuesday, with Beaty’s only appearance being getting announced as a pinch-hitter but then replaced after the Cubs countered with a pitching change.
“He is swinging the bat really well. He is. He’s going to be in there [Wednesday],” Roberts said after the Dodgers were swept in the twin bill. “AJ Pollock has been swinging the bat well. Max Muncy has been getting on base and he’s our first baseman.
“Gavin Lux has been getting some hits. So for me, Matt Beaty, to help our ballclub, coming off the bench, taking at-bats, getting starts here and there — that’s his role on this club. So he’s got to continue to be ready when called upon.”
Beaty built on alternate site
After getting off to a horrific start this season, Beaty was optioned to the alternate training site at Camelback Ranch. He played in Minor League games and logged consistent at-bats, which have fueled a turnaround since being recalled.
“I’ve been seeing the ball pretty well since I got back from the alternate site. Just trying to slow things down, stay within myself, be the hitter that I am,” Beaty said this week. “That’s put the ball in play and put together a good at-bat. Once you start to have success with that, confidence builds and you just hold onto it and keep building that momentum.”
Beaty is 9-for-17 with one home run, 11 RBI and four walks in eight games (five starts) since returning from the alternate site.
Being asked to make an impact off the bench is nothing new for the 28-year-old. Beaty started 57 of 99 games played in 2019, then 14 of 21 last year.
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