Dodgers’ Roster Strategy Unveiled: Wong Over Rosario in NLDS
Manager Dave Roberts Explains Bold Move Before Game 1
In a strategic move that raised eyebrows before the NLDS showdown, the Los Angeles Dodgers made a surprising roster decision. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts unveiled the team’s decision to include Kolten Wong in the lineup instead of Amed Rosario. This unexpected choice had fans and analysts buzzing with curiosity about the logic behind it.
Before Game 1 of the NLDS, Roberts clarified the reasoning behind this bold roster move. He acknowledged that the Arizona Diamondbacks, their opponents in this short five-game series, lacked an abundance of left-handed pitchers. This unique circumstance allowed the Dodgers to carry another left-handed hitting infielder, and Wong was the man for the job.
“It was a tough one,” Roberts said of the decision. “It was more driven by the fact that we have Kiké [Hernandez] and [Chris Taylor] that are versatile players from the right side and having Amed, without a left-handed starter going for them, he was a little redundant.
“And so to have a left-handed bat in Kolten, who you could have come out of some hitting situations, to come out of it with him on the bench we felt was a lot of value.”
Kolten Wong, known for his stellar defensive skills at second base and his respectable offensive performance during a productive September, emerged as the preferred choice for the Dodgers. His Gold Glove-caliber defense could prove invaluable in the tight NLDS games where every play matters. Moreover, Wong’s experience in high-pressure postseason situations during his time with the St. Louis Cardinals added another layer of confidence to the decision.
Wong’s playoff experience, honed during his tenure with the Cardinals, gave the Dodgers assurance that he could handle the intense pressure of postseason baseball. This valuable experience could be a game-changer for the Dodgers as they strive to make their mark in the NLDS.
While Amed Rosario’s acquisition was initially intended to bolster the Dodgers’ left-handed hitting lineup against specific opponents, the unique makeup of the Diamondbacks’ roster led to this strategic shift. However, Roberts hinted that the roles of Wong and Rosario might flip if the Dodgers advance to the NLCS, where they could face either the Atlanta Braves or the Philadelphia Phillies.
Intriguingly, this roster change opens the door to various possibilities as the Dodgers embark on their postseason journey. Only time will tell whether the decision to go with Wong over Rosario will prove to be a winning strategy in their quest for a World Series championship.
