April 20--Left field should be a mess for the Dodgers.
Andre Ethier, the starter, went on the disabled list in spring training. Carl Crawford, the understudy, went on the DL after five games. Scott Van Slyke, the trusty platoon mate, went on the DL after four games.
Utility player Enrique Hernandez has played the most in left field. Second baseman Howie Kendrick has played more games in left field than at second base. Trayce Thompson and Charlie Culberson also have played there.
The Dodgers' most productive position, as measured by OPS: left field.
The Dodgers' left fielders have a 1.000 OPS this season, the team's best at any position. The bulk of the credit goes to Hernandez, who is batting .387 with a 1.102 OPS this season.
The Angels' left fielders posted a .592 OPS last season, worst in the majors. This season? .459.
The Angels declined to pursue the top outfielders available in free agency, including Yoenis Cespedes, Dexter Fowler, Alex Gordon, Jason Heyward and Justin Upton. Their left fielders -- primarily Craig Gentry, Daniel Nava and Rafael Ortega -- are batting .176. In 51 at-bats, they have one extra-base hit, a double.
Twitter: @BillShaikin
