Editorials

Dodgers News: Scott Van Slyke Discusses Role Off The Bench

Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

While the Los Angeles Dodgers have a set starting lineup, the players that come off of the bench certainly do their share when they are given the chance.

Justin Turner, Scott Van Slyke, Alex Guerrero and Andre Ethier have all been given spot starts in this early season and have proven their worth. All have come in and done something in their limited opportunities.



While being a bench player is not ideal, the players have made the most out of their situation, according to Ken Gurnick of MLB.com:

J.T., me, Dre, A.J. — we have our roles and accept it,” said Van Slyke. “We have fun with it.”

Seven-game winning streaks will always be fun, and each Dodger player has made their own contribution. Although Dodger Stadium was previously known as a pitchers’ ballpark, the team has hit 13 of their league-leading 20 home runs at home.

Van Slyke is batting a cool .455 this season, with three doubles and one home run in 11 at-bats. Turner, who started the year going 2-for-10, went 4-for-5 on April 19 with three doubles and one RBI.

Although Ellis has not contributed much with the bat in his time with the Dodgers, he studies the game like no other player. In fact, last season he suggested that Josh Beckett throw his curveball more often, which resulted in Beckett throwing a no hitter just one month after Ellis helped him.

Alex Guerrero has 12 RBIs in nearly as many at-bats and has some clamoring for him to get more playing time.

Ethier may not be the player he was a few years ago, but he can still get his job done. In 33 plate appearances this season, he has hit a triple, a double, and a home run, scoring six runs and driving in three.

While the starting players may be the ones getting most of the credit in the wins, the bench players have been an integral part of each Dodgers win so far this season.

Dodgers 2015 – Zack Greinke Praises Yasmani Grandal

Staff Writer

Staff Writer features content written by our site editors along with our staff of contributing writers. Thank you for your readership.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button