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<\/p>\nThe Los Angeles Dodgers have re-established a winning tradition in recent years. Yes, they have more than their fair share of All-Stars. However, they also understand the importance of role players. Those players who aren’t in the lineup every day but have to be ready at a moment’s notice. Los Angeles would not have won the 2025 World Series without them, and they’ve had to step up this season amid a recent rash of injuries.<\/p>\n
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<\/blockquote>\nHolding Out for a Hero<\/h3>\n
Remember Miguel Rojas<\/a>? He was relegated to the bench during the stretch run last season. However, Manager Dave Roberts<\/a> played a hunch. Rojas saved a Game Six with an incredible pick and tag. And for an encore, he hit a game-tying home run in the ninth inning to extend the Dodgers’ hopes in Game 7. This season, the pattern continues, and outfielder Alex Call<\/a> has delivered when asked, and his role has increased out of necessity. Here are some highlights.<\/p>\n
Looking For the Right Fit<\/h3>\n
The Dodgers were on the hunt for a reserve right-handed outfielder at the Trade Deadline.<\/a> \u00a0They wanted a player who could be scrappy and could grind out at-bats. One who knew how to work deep into a count, make the opposing pitcher work, make contact, and avoid a strikeout. An outfielder who could catch the ball and pass the baton to the next guy in a loaded lineup. The most popular names included, but weren’t limited to, Steven Kwan<\/a> and Ramon Laureano<\/a>. When President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman instead acquired Alex Call, most considered it an underwhelming move. The numbers behind the trade validated the acquisition. Call had an OPS of .870 against left-handed pitching.<\/p>\n
It looked like they were right for most of last season. He carried a .247 batting average when he came to Los Angeles, which is 20 points lower than his career average. In addition, his strikeouts were up, which didn’t enhance his reputation as a contact hitter. However, he did shore up the defense in an outfield that was uncharacteristically porous last year. As a result, he was a dependable late-inning substitute and did his job.<\/p>\n
However, during the 2025 postseason, Call turned it up a notch. He hit for a .364 average with an OPS of .897. Thus, reverting to his normal pattern against left-handers bodes well for 2026.<\/p>\n
New Year, New Leaf?<\/h3>\n
Coming out of Spring Training this season, it looked like Call was going to play a similar role \u2014 until a rash of injuries hit. Utility player Enrique Hernandez<\/a> was recovering from elbow surgery, and shortly afterward, he tore his oblique.<\/a> Teoscar Hernandez<\/a> strained a hamstring.<\/a> Now the Dodgers needed Call to perform as he had before they acquired him. Thus far, he has done so.<\/p>\n
Remaining on Call<\/h3>\n
Call has cooled off with the bat somewhat in June. However, he is still hitting for an average above .360 against left-handers. Manager Dave Roberts should get some credit for this, as Call has played effectively in a platoon role and has been clutch when called upon. His two-out single on Wednesday against the Tampa Bay Rays completed a comeback win and a series sweep. His glove work has been equally impressive. \u00a0He has shown off his speed and durability in the last week with two running catches, narrowly missing walls and preserving his teammates’ Earned Run Average in the process. Call efforts in Wednesday’s finale proved to be the difference between a win and a loss.<\/p>\n
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Alex Call #Dodgers<\/a> \u00a9SportsNetLA pic.twitter.com\/cfd8RWYvP1<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 \u3010MLB\u901f\u5831\u3011\u653e\u9001\u5730\u533a\u3010\u5927\u8c37\u901f\u5831\u3011 (@MLB_comment) June 17, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n