Dodgers Reaction: Leadoff Hitters Key To September Success
Even though Mattingly claimed he does not want to focus on constructing his postseason roster just yet, the probable matchup between the Dodgers and the New York Mets in the National League Division series has likely spurred conversations amongst management to potential postseason roster decisions. The health of key players like Yasiel Puig, Kiké Hernandez and Rollins will factor into the decision making process, but Ruggiano and Corey Seager’s sensational Septembers have definitely made a case for them come October.
Mattingly spoke about the productiveness of Seager and Ruggiano since their addition to the roster this month per Eric Stephen of True Blue LA:
Both of those guys have been a nice addition for us,” Mattingly said. “Ruge has given us a couple of leadoff homers, and has given us another righty we can start against lefties.”
We all know how Mattingly loves to build his lineup around matchups, and Ruggiano’s success against left-handed pitching could really be beneficial in the playoffs if he should be added to the roster for October. Although the Mets have three right-handers (Matt Harvey, Jacob DeGrom and Noah Syndergaard) on tap for their potential postseason rotation which could affect Ruggiano’s chance of leading off for the Dodgers in the first round of the playoffs.
Looking even further ahead, the St. Louis Cardinals also have multiple right-handed pitchers in Michael Wacha, John Lackey, Lance Lynn and Carlos Martinez.
While the Dodgers have been enjoying the leadoff production from Ruggiano this September (who has never played in a postseason game), the postseason roster decisions will have to wait until the season is completed and the Dodgers clinch the National League West title. In the meantime, Ruggiano’s success at the top of the lineup continues to help the Dodgers stay in the hunt for home field advantage in the NLDS.
