Including Friday, the Los Angeles Dodgers have just nine games remaining on their shortened schedule. The club is tracking to clinch an eighth consecutive National League West title and the best record in baseball.
With October baseball around the corner, the Dodgers will soon need to finalize decisions for a postseason roster. They initially will set one for a best-of-three Wild Card Series round.
Beyond locks to be included, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts indicated Edwin Rios is likely to be part of the picture. “I certainly see him on our playoff roster,” Roberts said after Rios hit a home run in the series opener against the Colorado Rockies.
“The plan is to have Justin be our third baseman and Max to be the first baseman. I do see him as an everyday player at some point, but with us right now, I just don’t see that right now. But he’s really made big strides over the last calendar year.”
The majority of Rios’ improvement since making his MLB debut last season has come in the field. He continued working with Hall of Famer Barry Larkin and has focused on growing at third base.
Though, Rios also demonstrated an ability to hit a lefty in Thursday’s game. “Eddie was really good,” Roberts added. “Left on left, gets the base hit. Then he takes the ball the other way, works a good count, almost hits a homer.
“Then gets a walk on a tough 3-2 pitch, and hit a homer. For him to kind of mishandle the one off Tapia’s bat but then to come back and make a couple other plays, just really good head. Really proud of him.”
Rios more comfortable
Thursday’s game marked the first time Rios was back at Coors Field, where he made his MLB debut in June of last year. “Night and day,” he said of the comfort level between both games.
“Sometimes that first time you get the butterflies, and obviously it was a little different with fans in the stands. Honestly, it’s a blessing. I just thank God every day and going to have to keep going from here. …
“Just trying to get as comfortable as I can in the box, so hopefully when October comes around, I’m ready to go and ready for any situation, any moment in the game.”
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