Dodgers Minor League Recap: Hector Olivera Struggles In Debut Series
The much anticipated debut of Hector Olivera came on Thursday as he joined Double-A Tulsa after working out at the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Spring Training facility. Signed for six years at $62.5 million, the Cuban defector figures to add to the big league club’s infield depth within the next month.
However, the 30 year old’s first taste of pro ball didn’t go as smoothly as some may have hoped.
Thursday
Olivera debuted playing third base and batting fifth. In his first at-bat, he popped a 1-1 pitch up to the first baseman. In his second at-bat, he collected an infield single on a ball hit up the middle that the second baseman couldn’t quite corral. Olivera went on to walk in his next two plate appearances.
Unfortunately, that would be the extent of his offensive production. The game went into extra innings, giving him more opportunities, but he couldn’t take advantage. In the 10th, Olivera popped out to shortstop with one out and no one on. In the 12th, he came up with two outs and the winning run on second, but took a questionable called third strike to end the inning.
Olivera looked comfortable at third base, showing the requisite range and arm strength to handle the position. He moves well for his size, as he looks every inch of his listed 6’2 220-pound frame. His speed isn’t really an asset but he also isn’t a base clogger. Overall, he looked fine defensively.
CONTINUE READING: Details On How Olivera Fared Over The Weekend And At Second Base
great! a no-hit, good glove 3B, are you sure he isn’t Juan Uribe?
Still not a fan of this signing. So much money on a 30 year old who hasn’t played in anything significant in over a year. I hope they prove me wrong, but this one felt stupid.
Have patience. His hitting will come around.