The Los Angeles Dodgers added to their already-crowded outfield in January by signing Franklin Gutierrez to a one-year contract. While Los Angeles didn’t have a clear need for an outfielder, a right-handed bat was on the organization’s wish list during the offseason.
The Dodgers were worst in the Majors last year in several offensive categories against left-handed pitching. In addition to counting on injured players making an impact this season, Gutierrez figured to provide a boost to the lineup.
That has yet to manifest itself, but Spring Training results are thrown by the wayside come the regular season. According to Ken Gurnick of MLB.com, manager Dave Roberts confirmed Gutierrez will be on the Dodgers’ Opening Day roster:
Roberts also declared veteran Franklin Gutierrez has made the club as a part-time left fielder and right-handed bat against left-handed pitching.
Gutierrez got off to an 0-for-19 start with nine strikeouts through his first seven Cactus League games. He maintained success at the plate would come once the first hit fell.
Gutierrez snapped the skid with an opposite-field, two-run home run in his first at-bat against Cole Hamels on March 10. Though, it was the lone hit of the night for Gutierrez as he finished 1-for-4 with two strikeouts.
In four games since that point, the veteran outfielder is a combined 4-for-11 with one double, three RBI and four strikeouts. One explanation for the subpar production from Gutierrez is the limited opportunities (eight at-bats) he’s received against left-handed pitching.
That should change come the regular season when the Dodgers can deploy Gutierrez in the lineup for games they face a southpaw starter, or off the bench as a pinch-hitter against a lefty reliever.
Gutierrez is a career .289/.351/.495 hitter line against left-handers over parts of 11 seasons with the Cleveland Indians and Seattle Mariners.
