Five ways Craig Kimbrel trade bolsters Dodgers pitching, balances roster

As a lot as Kimbrel’s arrival helps the pitching employees, the lack of Pollock leaves an essential gap to be stuffed within the lineup.

With left discipline open, Gomes stated the crew will use “a little bit bit extra of a platoon” that seemingly will characteristic Chris Taylor and Gavin Lux, utility gamers who’re coming off up-and-down 2021 campaigns.

Taylor, a right-handed bat, earned his first profession All-Star choice after a powerful begin final season, however pale down the stretch to complete with a .254 batting common, 20 house runs, 73 RBIs and a .782 on-base-plus-slugging share. A free agent this offseason, he re-signed on a four-year, $60-million deal.

The left-handed-hitting Lux is a former high infield prospect who final yr performed within the outfield late within the season and the playoffs. In his three-year profession, he has a .233 common with 12 house runs, 63 RBIs and .682 OPS. He additionally had been getting outfield work this spring in anticipation of one other multi-position position.

Neither participant matched Pollock’s manufacturing final season, when the outfielder hit .297 with 21 house runs, 69 RBIs and an .892 OPS that ranked third on the crew. Although Pollock once more handled accidents, showing in solely 117 video games, there have been stretches during which he carried out like one of many crew’s greatest hitters.

The Dodgers are trusting that Taylor, Lux and whoever else performs in left can maintain their very own — and that the remainder of their star-studded batting order can take up the blow of Pollock’s departure.