Despite the Los Angeles Dodgers dealing with a rash of injuries this season, Matt Beaty has been the odd man out more times than not.
Such was the case when Mookie Betts returned from the injured list last month and Darien Núñez was recalled. Beaty, along with Gavin Lux, was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City. “Matt has been very good for us for the last few years,” Roberts said at the time.
“Big hits, I’ve leaned on him numerous times in the regular season and postseason. It’s a roster crunch, it’s nothing about his performance, and there’s no messaging as far as work on this or that. He’s done everything I’ve asked of him, so it’s just more of a player that has options, gets to take at-bats every day, and hopefully we can get him back at some point.
“Very difficult, because he’s a Major League player.”
Following a loss in which Cody Bellinger and Billy McKinney again both struggled at the plate, Roberts was asked about the team’s plans for Beaty and if he might soon get recalled.
“We’re talking about it. Matt is down there taking at-bats every day, and that’s a good thing,” Roberts said. “He’s performing down there. We’re having talks every day. He’s front of mind, certainly.”
Because Beaty was optioned to Oklahoma City on Aug. 26, he was not eligible to return until this past Sunday unless replacing an injured player. There appeared to be an opportunity for that when AJ Pollock was put on the 10-day injured list with a Grade 2 right hamstring strain.
However, the Dodgers instead decided to carry more pitching in the form of Mitch White, who started against the St. Louis Cardinals and was then optioned.
Beaty has hit .262/.358/.374 with four doubles, five home runs and 34 RBI in 105 games (44 starts)
McKinney over Beaty
The signing of Albert Pujols cut into Beaty’s playing time in some sense as he no longer was the primary backup to Max Muncy at first base. He then began to receive even fewer opportunities after the Dodgers acquired McKinney from the Mets.
McKinney hasn’t hit well with L.A., but has remained on the roster in some part because he is out of Minor League options and the team values his plate discipline and defense.
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