Alex Verdugo is Their Catalyst, and the Dodgers Need Him Back
A World Series win has just narrowly eluded the Dodgers in back to back years, but if Alex Verdugo can return healthy and effective, this very well could be the year the team finally exorcises the postseason demons that have haunted them for the last 31 years.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have been without Alex Verdugo since August 4th, and while they’ve managed to go 14-7 during that period (as of Thursday night), the team needs its young outfielder back and healthy before the playoffs.
He was placed on the 10-day IL on August 6th with a right oblique strain, and the updates on him since have been rather ominous.
Dave Roberts has said Verdugo wont be activated when rosters expand on September 1st, and probably not during the first week of September at all.
On August 23rd, Verdugo posted a clip to his Instagram of him hitting baseballs off a tee which is encouraging, but it sure seems like he’s still a way’s away from picking up full baseball activities in the hopes of returning in September.
The 23-year-old was putting together a stellar season before his injury, slashing .294/.342/.475 with 43 runs, 44 RBI, an OPS+ of 114 ,113 wRC+ and a .309 BABIP.
He’s a catalyst for the offense, and Verdugo’s combination of skills make him an invaluable asset to this Dodgers team. His ability to hit for contact and power, work a count, get on base, play above average defense, and his fantastic arm and overall flair and energy he brings to the team are dearly missed.
His strikeout percentage ranks at the top of the league, he’s in the 87th percentile in xBA and he’s hitting .363 this season against fastballs.
In the 9th inning and extra innings, Verdugo is 11/29 (.379) with 2 2B’s, 2 HR’s, 8 RBI, and 5 BB’s.
According to Baseball Savant’s batted ball profile, a gathering of data that collects and measures things like a players barrel % and GB/FB/LD%, Verdugo’s profile comparisons in 2019 are the likes of Astros All-Star OF Michael Brantley and Yankees MVP candidate DJ LeMahieu.
Verdugo’s worth to this team should not be underestimated.
He’s fifth on the team in WAR (3.1), even after missing about a month with this oblique injury.
He’s also steady presence at the top of the lineup and his ability to be a consistently put the ball in play (with a .309 average on balls he puts in play), is something the Dodgers cannot be without when October comes.
The Dodgers struggled offensively against the Yankees during their three game series last week, managing to score only five runs, but more importantly, going 2-16 with runners in scoring position while also leaving 18 men on base.
It’s no secret that the Yankees pitching staff is vulnerable at times, and those numbers are certainly concerning for a Dodgers team who has their eyes set on a third straight World Series appearance.
Last year in the 2018 World Series against the Red Sox, the Dodgers went 4-20 with men in scoring position and left 34 men on base over the five game series.
The team has absolutely been better in that department overall this season, but Verdugo has been and hopefully will continue to be a key part of that.
With runners in scoring position this season, he’s hitting .286 with 31 RBI’s, and with two outs, he’s 29/94 (.309) with seven doubles, two home runs, and 16 RBI.
If the Dodgers want to win a World Series, they need Verdugo to contribute to that cause.
It’s easy to assume the Dodgers will get back to the World Series, but cruising through the National League alone won’t be an easy task.
The Braves are legitimate contenders, with the Cubs, Cardinals, and Nationals all surging at the right time as well.
I do believe the Dodgers will get to the World Series for a third straight season, but in order to beat the Yankees or Astros, the two clear front runners in the American League, this Dodgers team needs to be at full strength, and that means having a healthy Alex Verdugo manning the outfield.
It’s encouraging Verdugo has resumed some baseball activities, but oblique injuries are often unpredictable and certainly tend to linger. It’s wise of the Dodgers to take their time with the young outfielder, given the lead in the division and the depth of their roster.
With rosters expanding in September, don’t expect him back until the middle of the month at the earliest.
It’s vital for Verdugo to see some game action before the playoffs begin, as he will be an integral part of the Dodgers quest for their first World Series title since 1988.
A World Series win has just narrowly eluded the Dodgers in back to back years, but if Alex Verdugo can return healthy and effective, this very well could be the year the team finally exorcises the postseason demons that have haunted them for the last 31 years.
-David Rosenthal (@_therealdrose)
