After only appearing in 25 games before undergoing season-ending surgery last year, Edwin Ríos was motivated to have a “redemption” 2022 with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He made their Opening Day roster and has taken advantage of every opportunity thus far.
The latest of which was making a first career start in the cleanup spot of the Dodgers lineup. He had just one hit in the second game of a doubleheader against the Arizona Diamondbacks, but it was a three-run home run that helped break it open for the Dodgers.
“Got to give props to Edwin,” Freddie Freeman said after the four-game series sweep. “It is very, very hard to not play every day and be able to put up quality ABs. He’s been doing it every single time he’s in the lineup.
“To hit a three-run homer, he’s making it look easy, but it’s not, doing what he’s doing.”
On the season, Ríos is batting .262/.279/.571 with one double, four home runs and 12 RBI over 15 games (nine starts).
“It’s hard, the role as far as you’re not in there every day, but to be ready when called upon,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “I hit him in the four-hole and he had a big three-run homer, which was huge.
“It’s not an easy role for a young player to do that. Guys love him and I’ve just got to keep trying to find opportunities for him.”
During the Dodgers’ last road trip, Ríos had a stretch of one double, two home runs and seven RBI in three games (two starts) against the Pittsburgh Pirates. He’s averaging a home run in 9.3% of plate appearances so far this season.
How Ríos keeps prepared
Although most players prefer to establish a set routine they can rely on day in and day out, Ríos revealed he has taken a different approach by regularly making minor changes to workouts in order to be prepared for any role asked of him.
Are you following Dodger Blue on Instagram? It’s the best way to see exclusive coverage from games and events, get your questions answered, and more!
