SAN DIEGO — Alex Verdugo joined the Dodgers on Friday at Petco Park, and he already finds himself in the starting lineup, batting eighth and playing center field against the Padres in the opener of a four-game weekend series in San Diego.
“We know he can play center field. He’s had a great year. For a young player, sometimes it’s best to get him in the fire and get him going,” manager Dave Roberts said. “He’s earned this opportunity.”
Verdugo is just the fifth Los Angeles Dodger to start in center field in his major league debut, joining Willie Davis, Mike Ramsey, Matt Kemp, and Andrew Toles.