Dodgers Outfielder Outman Out of Monday's Lineup

In a move that Dodgers fans have become accustomed to under manager Dave Roberts, promising rookie outfielder James Outman was given a day off Monday as Los Angeles opened a series against the Washington Nationals.

Utility man Kiké Hernandez got the start in center field and hit seventh in the batting order against the Nats. While Outman has shown tremendous power potential since being called up in August, Roberts has made a habit of resting his young players regularly to keep them fresh over the long grind of a 162-game season.

Outman, who turned 25 in March, has posted an .825 OPS with 7 home runs and 17 RBIs in just 35 games with the Dodgers so far this year after destroying Triple-A pitching to the tune of 35 homers across two minor league levels. His combination of patience at the plate, raw power to all fields, and solid defense in the outfield has made him an important part of LA’s plans heading into October.

However, the Dodgers also value depth, which is why they’ve been able to keep guys like Hernandez around even as they’ve built a powerhouse roster loaded with expensive superstars like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman and the currently-injured Juan Soto. The versatile Hernandez can fill in at any outfield spot or in the infield if needed, spelling slumping regulars or covering for injuries. He provides a reliable, veteran presence off the bench.

With a comfortable lead in the NL West and a playoff spot all but secured barring a historic collapse, Roberts can afford to rest potential X-factors like Outman here and there over the season’s final weeks. The rookie outfielder’s biggest impact is likely still to come in October as the Dodgers make another push for their first World Series title since 1988.