Michael Busch has spent most of his career playing second base, but with the Los Angeles Dodgers, most of his defensive work has come at third base.
Busch has only played third base for 104 innings in his professional carer, which have all come this year, and he never played it at the collegiate level either.
His youth at the position was highlighted on Monday against the Milwaukee Brewers, which led to the start of a rally.
The 25-year-old misplayed a soft ground ball to open the fifth inning and made an errant throw to first base, which allowed the slow-footed William Contreras to reach base.
Busch likely would have had more time had he not rushed the play, which he discussed after the loss, via Bill Plunkett of the Southern California New Group:
“Probably,” Busch acknowledged. “I should have attacked it better. Gotta get it in the glove first.”
In addition to being new at the position, Busch is also considered by many scouts to be more of a designated hitter type as a defensive liability with a potentially elite bat.
Still, even without J.D. Martinez healthy, the Dodgers have shied away from giving Busch a run at DH, instead utilizing him in the field. He has also seen time at second base and left field, which is the position he may be best suited for.
Despite his lack of playing time, Busch did deliver the go-ahead hit in extra innings during Sunday’s series finale against the San Diego Padres. The Dodgers went on to win the game following the heroics from Busch and James Outman.
Michael Busch excited to contribute in key spot
After Mookie Betts tied the game with a solo home run off Padres closer Josh Hader with two outs in the top of the ninth inning, Busch recorded his second career RBI with a single, which ultimately held as his first game-winning hit at the Major League level.
Following the Dodgers’ 5-2 win, Busch shared his excitement over contributing in such a key spot.
For Busch, the RBI single was only his fourth hit since getting recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City.
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