Call to the pen
Fansided

Grading Friedman, Gomes and the Los Angeles Dodgers front office at the season’s midway point

By Bill Felber

May 31, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman reacts during the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
May 31, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman reacts during the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Miguel Vargas. Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Miguel Vargas. Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Farm system

The Dodgers are justly proud of a farm system that has produced talents such as Dustin May, Tony Gonsolin, Walker Buehler, Kershaw, Bellinger, Corey Seager and Julio Urias.

But if there’s a player in this season’s rookie class capable of rising to their levels, he hasn’t shown it yet.

Dodger plans underwent a major reshuffling following the preseason injury to Gavin Lux, and those plans have impacted the farm system, not always for the better. The Dodgers have utilized eight rookies to greater or lesser degrees in 2023, one of them playing an unexpectedly large mid-infield role.

With Chris Taylor injured, Miguel Vargas has become the regular second baseman, but he’s not hitting like it. Vargas is at .199. Like Muncy his power has propped up his WAA, but it still sits at -1.0.

Friedman and Gomes have also leaned on rookie outfielder James Outman. After a good start (he was above .300 in late April), Outman is down to .231 and holding on to his playing time.

Michael Grove got a brief taste of life in the bullpen, was lit up for a 7.54 ERA in 37 innings, and is being given a chance to figure it out in the minors.

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