Before the Dodgers’ loss against the Atlanta Braves, the Dodgers promoted Kolten Wong from Triple-A Oklahoma City. The veteran infielder was signed by the club late in August and spent some time reconfiguring his game with the greater LA coaching staff.
Before making his Dodger debut, Wong shared his conversation with Dave Roberts with reporters where he said he was willing to do anything to help the Dodgers win.
"I told him, 'whatever he needs.' I'm not here to hold myself to any standard. I'm here to be a Dodger and do what I gotta do to help the team win, contribute any way I can. Baserunning. Defense. Whatever it takes. These guys have been playing good ball -- they've been doing what they gotta do -- so I'm not trying to do anything but just step in line and help out."
Wong has played with the St. Louis Cardinals, Milwaukee Brewers, and Seattle Mariners over his 11 year MLB career. After the Mariners released Wong in August, the Dodgers signed him to a minor league contract that had an opt out on August 30th. He opted to stay with the organization and was rewarded with an active roster spot to open the new month.
He rewarded the Dodgers with a pinch hit 3 run home run in Friday night's loss to the Braves.
Since early in spring training when Gavin Lux blew out his knee, the Dodgers have been searching for infielders. The Dodgers have played Mookie Betts at second base often against right-handed pitching, despite him being considered the best right fielder in the game. But that may not be the preferred game plan come October.
The veteran Wong could see time in the outfield and at second base and shortstop while Roberts rests the regulars as the Dodgers prepare for the postseason.
Wong is a .256 lifetime hitter. This season he has struggled with a .169 batting average with 3 home runs, 22 RBI, and a .490 OPS. He has a month to prove he belongs on the postseason roster.
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