Yasmani Grandal twice was in position to erase the memory that’s come from his struggles during the postseason, but redemption eluded him. Not only that, but Grandal’s fielding again was a source of criticism as the Los Angeles Dodgers fell into a 2-1 deficit in the National League Championship Series.
With the Brewers clinging to a 1-0 lead, Walker Buehler uncorked a wild pitch that bounced in front of the plate, hit off the heel of Grandal’s glove and rolled into foul territory along the third-base line. Travis Shaw, who tripled, scampered home.
“It just hit the back of the plate and picked up speed. Nothing much you can do,” Grandal said of the play. “Just let it hit you and hopefully it stays in front of you. It just so happened to be in that situation.
“I blocked eight balls, and the one ball kicks off the plate, still hits me in a good spot. It just so happens to be one of those plays that as the ball is coming down it’s picking up speed and hits the back of the plate and picks up even more speed. I think any baseball person understands what it is to be able to block a ball like that.”
No matter how sound his explanation, Grandal made for an easy target of criticism because of his persistent struggles. Buehler attempted to alleviate some of that by taking responsibility for the pitch.
While frustration may be mounting, Grandal maintains he’s unaffected by it. “I think it’s driving you guys more nuts than it’s driving me,” he said. “I don’t really hear the noise outside. I value my opinion way over everybody else, so that’s what keeps me sane.”
If there was any personal frustration for the 29-year-old, it lies at the plate. He did hit a ground-rule double but struck out in each of his other three at-bats. One of which came with the bases loaded in the ninth inning of the Dodgers’ 4-0 loss in Game 3.
Having appeared in all seven postseason games (five starts) this year, Grandal is a mere 3-for-22 with one double, one home run, one RBI, three walks and 10 strikeouts. “I walked 70-something times this year,” he said.
“Just because it’s the postseason, it’s no reason I should start getting outside my strike zone.”
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts acknowledged his primary catcher has been mired in a difficult stretch, and already announced Austin Barnes will start Game 4. It’s the second time in three games the Dodgers have opted for Barnes over Grandal.
But when asked if that was indicative of the Dodgers’ confidence level in Grandal, he balked at the notion. “They’re losing confidence in me? Is that what you think?” he responded. “Not really. Like I said, I also play a big part in a scouting report and what goes into a game when I’m not starting.
“If they have the confidence in me to do that, then I’m pretty sure they have the confidence in me to be behind the plate.”
Want to get your content COMPLETELY AD FREE? Click here to follow us on Apple News!
