As is typically the case with any Major League team, the Los Angeles Dodgers received contributions from more players than were just on their 25-man roster to start the season in 2019.
A number of key players were forced to deal with significant injuries, which meant that the team needed contributions from Minor League players to get to their franchise-record 106 wins.
One player who filled in well for injured outfielders throughout the course of the season was Kyle Garlick. The 27-year-old was drafted by the Dodgers in the 28th round in 2015 out of Cal Poly Pomona, but he was not on anyone’s radar going into the 2019 season.
After a strong Spring Training and start to the season with Triple-A Oklahoma City, he earned his first promotion to the big leagues in the middle of May. From there, Garlick bounced back and forth between the Minors and Majors, making the most of his limited opportunities.
In 30 games for the Dodgers, he hit .250/.321/.521 with three home runs, four doubles, eight runs scored and six RBI. He also played in 81 games for OKC, slashing an impressive .314/.382/.675 with 23 home runs, 25 doubles, 54 runs scored and 59 RBI.
The Dodgers were eventually able to get healthy in time for the postseason, so Garlick was left off their National League Division Series roster.
2019 highlight:
Garlick got the start in back-to-back games against the San Francisco Giants on June 19 and 20 at Dodger Stadium and he made the most of his opportunities by going a combined 5-for-8 with a home run in each game and four total RBI. The Dodgers defeated the Giants, 9-2 and 9-8, respectively, in those two games, and Garlick played a big part in the victories.
2020 outlook:
It is hard to imagine Garlick making the Dodgers’ Opening Day roster in 2020, but if an injury or two happens during Spring Training then it is certainly possible.
His 2020 season will likely be similar to 2019 in that he will fill in when needed, although he also could be a trade candidate this offseason.
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