The Los Angeles Dodgers, built with precision under Andrew Friedman, are no stranger to calculated risks. Dodgers’ $17 million outfielder was brought in over the offseason as a temporary solution in left field. He was supposed to be a one-year stopgap while the Dodgers analyzed options from within their farm system. His keen eye at the plate and tendency to draw walks rather than chase pitches was perfect. Yet, the plan was never to view him as a long-term fixture. However, things haven’t gone as planned lately.

Michael Conforto has struggled mightily. Across almost 400 plate appearances, the veteran has hit a career low with a 186 batting average after an 0-for-4 performance hitting cleanup on Thursday. Meanwhile, his on-base percentage sits at .293, slugging at .319 and OPs at .611, reflecting the worst stats of his major league journey.

Insider Jason Fray from Dodgers Nation urged the Dodgers to move on from Conforto. Largely because it would have been easier to overlook Conforto’s poor hitting if, hypothetically, he was a good fielder or speed threat to the opponents.

However, as per Baseball Savant, he’s slower than most players (21st percentile). That’s not it; he has one of the worst outfield ranges in the league (8th percentile). That’s certainly something that cannot be ignored.

Yet, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has not wavered in his support. “I would say it’s actually freeing in the sense of, you’re not expecting to put up a certain OPS or this or that. You’re just trying to help the team win,” he said.

Roberts highlighted the progress Conforto showed back in July, when he batted .273 with an OPS of .827. He tried to explain the importance of mental freedom at the plate. “My ask is to just be a better hitter, to fight, and to put together at-bats. That’s pretty much in any player’s control.” Roberts believes that more than anything, he wants Conforto to free up a little bit and not stress much.

The Dodgers front office and training staff have all been supportive of Conforto through the media. To be fair to Conforto, playing for the Dodgers comes with mounting expectations. So, it’s alright if the management is supportive but at the same time, sooner or later, the Dodgers will have to move on from him as initially planned.

Dodgers Explored Outfield Changes Amidst Conforto’s Struggles

You, us and the league—we all know that the Dodgers are a team built to win. With Michael Conforto underperforming, the Dodgers are bound to explore other options. Teoscar Hernández, who had difficulties in right field, could now be moved to the left. On the other hand, Andy Pages, with a stronger arm, could take over the right field.

Another factor in play is Tommy Edman’s return from injury, potentially taking over center field. Pairing him with Hyeseong Kim and Alex Freeland at second base would offer better offense to the lineup. Next up, it’s Enrique Hernández. His return will provide another outfield alternative. Moreover, Alex Call could also play outfield regularly with Pages in center and Hernández in right.

On August 22, Kim played left field for the Oklahoma City Dodgers against the Tacoma Rainiers. It marked his first time in left field since his MLB debut. This move suggests the Dave Roberts and the Dodgers are seriously testing alternatives for Conforto. Looks like anytime soon, the Dodgers will be clear on their eventual Conforto decision.