The Dodgers’ infield has become a surprising asset, writes Doug Padilla at the OC Register. Once thought to be the team’s weakest link, infield defense is dramatically exceeding expectations.
The team shook things up by moving Gavin Lux out of shortstop, Mookie Betts into the position, and Miguel Rojas into a backup role. Now, the infield is third in the major leagues in FanGraphs’ defensive runs saved ranking.
That accomplishment has been a team effort, said manager Dave Roberts. He noted that Betts, Lux, and Max Muncy, still at third base, have all put in significant work to ensure top performance. Rojas, for his part, has fit seamlessly into a mentorship role and makes a point of sharing his expertise whenever possible.
“Everyone wants to play every day, but to feel that you can do things to be additive and help your teammates out and to help us win baseball games, he’s done that,” Roberts said of Rojas.
Pitchers, too, have contributed: Thanks to a strong start on the mound, infielders have had a chance to breathe as they settle in to their roles this season.
Dodgers Links
Shohei Ohtani is on pace to hit 46 home runs and 108 extra-base hits this season. Is that rate sustainable? Could he go for some extra credit with 50 homers? Gabe Lacques at USA Today breaks it down.
Walker Buehler had mixed feelings about his return to the majors earlier this week, but his start showed plenty to feel good about. If he can build on that, the Dodgers will truly be World Series favorites, writes Dylan Hernández at the Los Angeles Times.
