With Major League Baseball rosters expanding to 40 at the beginning of every September, it gives young players an opportunity to gain valuable experience and showcase their talent. However, it can also lend to tough decisions once the regular season concludes.
That holds particularly true for a team like the Los Angeles Dodgers given their depth and versatility. Multiple players have returned from injury within the past week, and others may soon join them.
Included in those who have come off the disabled list is Andre Ethier. He joined a crowded outfield that features surprise contributor Andrew Toles.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said he intends to give Ethier an opportunity to get into the swing of things after he missed the entire year to this point because of a fractured tibia.
According to Bill Plunkett of the OC Register, Roberts said the club will closely evaluate Ethier and Toles as a decision looms for a probable playoff roster:
“He’s worked hard to get back to a position where he can help us in September and hopefully be on it,” Roberts said of Ethier’s chances. “You look at him and Toles, the left-handed bats these last 17 games we’re going to really lock in and see what makes the most sense.”
Ethier has struggled since returning, as he is just 1-for-11, but what he does provide is postseason experience. He’s a career .234/.333/.393 with three home runs and eight RBIs in 35 playoff games.
Toles has been nothing short of spectacular since being called up right before the All-Star break. In 35 games he is batting .342/.398/.582 with three home runs and 14 RBIs.
Toles recently hit a ninth-inning grand slam with two outs against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field to lift the Dodgers to a 10-8 comeback victory and avoid being swept. However, he’s only hit .190 (4-for-21) since that point.
