Alex Verdugo, Matt Beaty. Will Smith. Edwin Rios. Kyle Garlick. All of these rookie hitters have had their fair share of chances to compete for the Dodgers this season. For the most part, they have all surprised the team and the fans with their stellar performances. But the circumstances under which they have been playing are not run of the mill. Injuries to lineup stalwarts and professional veteran hitters David Freese, Corey Seager, and A.J. Pollock have cleared the way for these young guns.
But this transitional flux period is waning away. David Freese is nearing a return around July 4.