Dodgers News: Olivera Believes He’s ‘Prepared’ For Promotion To Majors
Outside of being removed early in Monday’s game and being held out of the lineup Tuesday due to issues with the altitude in Colorado Springs, Hector Olivera’s time with Triple-A Oklahoma City has largely been a success.
Playing in just his 12th professional Minor-League game, Olivera went 4-for-5, finishing the night a double shy of hitting for the cycle. After his impressive performance in the OKC Dodgers’ sixth consecutive home win, Olivera said he’s gained confidence with each passing at-bat, according to Jacob Unruh of NewsOK.com:
That’s what I needed. I needed more games to play and each game I play, each at-bat I’m there I feel more confident,” Olivera said through a translator.
Additionally, the 30-year-old Cuban native said he believes he’s ready for a promotion to the Majors:
I’m waiting for that call,” he said. “I’ve been working really hard to get here and I think I’m prepared. I’m just waiting for the call.”
OKC Dodgers manager Damon Berryhill said he’s seen notable progress from Olivera since the infielder first joined the club from Double-A Tulsa:
He’s coming quick and the swings are getting better. Defensively, he’s getting better and getting better jumps on the ball. I’m pleased with where he’s at.”
Olivera was sent to the Dodgers’ Camelback Ranch Spring Training facility in Glendale, Ariz., on the same day he officially signed a six-year, $62.5 million deal with the club. Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said Olivera would likely move to High-A for a few games before working his way up the Minor League ranks.
Olivera instead jumped directly to Double-A, where he remained for six games. At the time of signing, he projected needing three to four weeks to work himself back into baseball shape. June 16 was exactly four weeks since his comments.
Friday was Olivera’s sixth game with the OKC Dodgers. He also spent six with the Drillers, and a call up to the Majors in the coming weeks certainly isn’t beyond reason. Although the Dodgers have continued to publicly state a timetable hasn’t been placed on that process. Olivera is batting a combined .388/.423/.571 with two home runs and seven RBIs in the Minors.
[divide]Kiké Hernandez On Drawing Walk-Off Balk
I’ve watched every Dodger Game since I moved back to SoCal in 2004. Frustrated by the back to back losses to the Phillies, and now, the Cardinals… through all that, this season seems more frustrating than others… I can’t put my finger on it. But I think it’s time to promote Olivera. Put him at third, put Turner at shortstop. At this point, if you’re not going to bring up Seager, I’ll take the reduced defense of Turner, if it means a better bat in the lineup. This team needs something to shake it up!
The new people runnin’ the show are only concerned about putting the best nine best defenders in the line-up. Of course, that in itself can be challenged as to what trendy formula they’re using at this moment. From what I can see. The chance of Turner being put at shortstop for the reason you suggest. Is comparable to the argument, that many of us have made, for putting Guerrero at third base. It won’t happen. The FO is not interested in scoring runs in order to win, or much less, either a pennant or World Series Championship. Instead, it’s how many runs you don’t allow that makes for a good baseball team. If a tie scores were allowed and were considered to be, an acceptable way of determining as to how a team’s status, within a league, is measured. Much like in world football (soccer). Where, potential converts and new affecionados often complain of boredom, due to lack of continuous action and scoring. However, unlike the other major sports, it is only in baseball, where the defense starts with control of the ball. You would like to think, that the FO would soon realize that would be a good place to start. Two defenders at this point, will not be enough. Especially when other teams have already figured out. Yes, for the most part. It is the “offense,” after all, that truly decides…Who’s victorious and who is not. Simply by having more of one thing…than the other has.
And here I thought I was long winded!! 🙂 You may be right, and I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt. After all, nothing else has been successful, but I think one thing is starting becoming obvious. Although their decisions might be the correct decisions, it makes for less enjoyable baseball. I know most people would say that’s worth a championship, but I’m not sure that’s the correct decision for future of baseball.
I agree. Retired/ Disabled…Nothing else to do.