Kolten Wong played a crucial role in beating the Dodgers in both the 2013 and 2014 NLCS as a member of the St. Louis Cardinals. Now, after being released by the Seattle Mariners, he joined the Dodgers trying to get his career back on track.
Recently, he discussed why he chose the Dodgers.
“Right after I signed I went down there to Arizona and started working with the hitting coaches, working in the hitting labs,” Wong said. “Just kind of cleaned up some things that had kind of creeped up while I was in Seattle that kind of led to my demise. I put in a lot of work in Arizona,” Wong said. “I didn’t go down there to hang out. I went down there to make it back here.”
Wong is an 11-year veteran and has two Gold Gloves. Since Gavin Lux blew out his knee early in spring training, the Dodgers have searched for available infielders. At the trading deadline, the Dodgers acquired both Kiké Hernàndez and Amed Rosario.
They hope Wong will add another dimension to their infield.
Since the Dodgers demoted Miguel Vargas, Mookie Betts has played second base against right-handed pitching. The Dodgers dislike playing the best right fielder in the game at second base. If Wong proves himself valuable during September, he might be playing second base in the postseason.
On Friday, Wong hit a 3-run homer against the Atlanta Braves. His offense is the question mark. If he can hit satisfactorily in September, he might play a vital role during the playoffs.
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