Fansided

Los Angeles Dodgers: 3 best DH options in shortened season

By Steve Zavala

DENVER, COLORADO - JUNE 27: Justin Turner #10 of the Los Angeles Dodgers circles the bases after hitting a solo home run in the fifth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on June 27, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, COLORADO - JUNE 27: Justin Turner #10 of the Los Angeles Dodgers circles the bases after hitting a solo home run in the fifth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on June 27, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 12: Matt Beaty #45 of the Los Angeles Dodgers looks on during the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 12, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 12: Matt Beaty #45 of the Los Angeles Dodgers looks on during the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 12, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /

Matt Beaty. 3. Scouting Report. 1B. OF. player. 71. Pick Analysis

Matt Beaty emerged onto the baseball scene last season as a rookie with the Dodgers. It became a year not many anticipated seeing as he recorded nine home runs, 46 RBI and a moderate .265 batting average in 249 at-bats. He became more of a regular as the season progressed and even had a couple of signature moments, such as his walk-off home run against the Colorado Rockies.

Beaty could be among the candidates to earn more playing time as a designated hitter. He should continue to be a depth option in other positions such as first base and left field, but the new DH opening gives Beaty a valuable opportunity to rack up even more at-bats.

His likely time as the DH for the team will depend on the pitcher matchup at hand considering his dire struggles against lefties. Last season, he logged a .125 batting average with zero home runs and a mere 3 RBI in 32 at-bats against left-handed pitchers. It is a small sample size, but it became clear Roberts preferred to trot out Beaty more against right-handed pitchers, where he hit for an improved .286 average.

Do not expect Roberts to roll out Beaty in such a role against the likes of Patrick Corbin and other efficient left-handed pitchers.

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