Dodgers Team News

Dodgers News: Franklin Gutierrez Struggling in the Early Going

The Dodgers have a glut of outfielders and a wide-open competition.

Free agent signee Franklin Gutierrez might be a bit behind in that race. He’s 0-for-19 this spring.



Dave Roberts sounds minimally concerned. Another Dodgers offseason investment, Rich Hill, is also slumping in the first month with a 12.60 ERA.

Players’ struggles in spring don’t necessarily translate to the regular season. The bigger loss for Gutierrez here is a missed opportunity. Andre Ethier has been tremendous. Andrew Toles has been injured but returns soon and impressed in a small sample size a season ago. Trayce Thompson is back as well. Yasiel Puig is likely the starter in right field.

[graphiq id=”6ohxcye5wjj” title=”Franklin Gutiérrez 2016 Batting Splits By Pitcher Hand” width=”640″ height=”603″ url=”https://w.graphiq.com/w/6ohxcye5wjj” ]

Gutierrez has to earn playing time. It hasn’t happened thus far. While that’s bad news for him, the organization signed him as depth anyway. Even if he is poor in the regular season, the team will survive.

More than likely, there’s nothing to see here. Patience is a virtue.

What does Dave Roberts think of Cody Bellinger thus far?

Gabe Burns

Gabe Burns is an award-winning journalist. He serves as a reporter and editor at the DodgersNation news desk. He additionally works as editor-in-chief of The Spectator, Valdosta State University's student paper. Gabe's work has been featured on a number of platforms, including Draft Breakdown and Pro Football Spot. His byline has been cited in media such as the New York Times, Los Angeles Times and Chicago Tribune. Aside from covering Dodgers baseball, Gabe enjoys watching the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Orlando Magic and Tampa Bay Lightning. He can be followed on Twitter at @GabeBurns_DN.

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