Zach McKinstry appears to have earned the final bench spot for the Los Angeles Dodgers Opening Day roster. Manager Dave Roberts stopped short of confirming as much, but every indication points to the utility player starting the season with L.A.
The Dodgers re-assigned Stevie Berman, Andy Burns and Elliot Soto to Minor League camp on Sunday, and Roberts previously outlined the team plans to carry 13 pitchers and 13 position players on their active roster.
He also indicated Matt Beaty and Edwin Rios were to be part of that, and with Austin Barnes taking a bench spot as well, the Dodgers were down to deciding on a final position player.
McKinstry brings much of the same versatility the Dodgers had with Kiké Hernandez, and he acknowledged there was a desire to fill that void in the wake of the super utility man signing with the Boston Red Sox.
McKinstry’s profile has been on the rise since an impressive showing in the Minors during the 2019 season. He carried that momentum into Spring Training last year and again when MLB resumed operations with Summer Camp.
That helped result in McKinstry making his MLB debut last season as he appeared in four games.
Expectations remain high for the 25-year-old, who has garnered consistent praise not only from Roberts but AJ Pollock and other teammates as well. “McKinstry, that guy can absolutely flat-out rake,” Pollock said this spring.
“We saw it last year in Spring Training, and we know we’re going to have him. I don’t know when, but he’s going to be a contributor. … He’s just got a really, really advanced approach at the plate.
“I think his swing is definitely going to play in the big leagues because he’s it’s so compact and consistent. He’s got a really, really calm demeanor, you don’t really see him getting too rattled, too up or down. He’s just super consistent. I’m excited for him. He’s a good dude and his bat is definitely going to play in the big leagues, I think.”
Dodgers rotation, bullpen nearly complete
With McKinstry likely on the Opening Day roster, the final decision for the Dodgers comes in the bullpen. Scott Alexander and Dennis Santana are among the candidates to receive the nod.
Bullpen composition could be impacted by the starting rotation, where the Dodgers have yet to settle on a fifth member. The club is down to choosing from Tony Gonsolin, Dustin May and David Price. It’s presumed the two who aren’t selected will be placed in the bullpen.
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