Dodgers Minor League Recap: Hector Olivera Struggles In Debut Series
Friday
Friday was a rough day for Olivera as he failed to put the ball in play, striking out in all three of his at-bats. In the first inning, he worked the count full and struck out on the eighth pitch of the at-bat, which looked up and in. In his second at-bat, Olivera fouled off the first pitch, then took three straight balls.
He fouled a changeup off his foot, then went down swinging on a fastball. In his third at-bat, he fouled off the first four pitches he saw, took the next three with the final being a yet another inside fastball that was called a strike.
Sunday
After a day off Saturday, Olivera made his first start at second base, which he considers to be his best position. Coincidentally, he misplayed two balls, the first of which led to an unearned run. At the plate, he made contact in each at-bat, but grounded out three times, including grounding into a double play.
It’s been a forgettable first three games for Olivera, who presumably may be a little frustrated. However, there shouldn’t be too many conclusions drawn from a single series and it’s a good bet that he gets on track sooner rather than later. You should still expect to see him in the Majors, perhaps as soon as the end of the month.
Kenley Jansen On Pressure In Facing The Cardinals
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.