5 Things We've Learned About the Los Angeles Dodgers Through the First 21 Games

Through the first three weeks, the Los Angeles Dodgers have not disappointed. They have the third-best record in the National League, and their 13-8 mark is good for a two-game lead over the Colorado Rockies in the division. However, they have not quite done it how we expected.

Injuries have forced a series of unpredictable lineups, and manager Don Mattingly has been forced to get creative. General manager Farhan Zaidi has built a roster that enables the team to adjust, and the adversity the Dodgers have faced has given us a bit of a window into the problem-solving this team will use.

*Stats via FanGraphs unless otherwise noted.

They Have Too Many Infielders

Mark J. Terrill/Associated Press

Alex Guerrero has been the story of the year so far, as his 304 wRC+ via FanGraphs is absolutely absurd. However, he only has 28 plate appearances in 21 games because there simply are not enough opportunities for everyone to play. Juan Uribe and Howie Kendrick are entrenched at third and second base, respectively, so Mattingly will have a series of difficult decisions to make.

Guerrero is not the only infielder begging for playing time, though. Justin Turner is coming off an excellent year in which he hit .340/.404/.493. Additionally, the Dodgers recently signed infielder Hector Olivera. There just are not enough plate appearances to go around.

They Don’t Have Enough Pitchers

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RHP Brandon McCarthy is now out for the season.

Brandon McCarthy is out for the season, and Hyun-jin Ryu has not yet returned from the disabled list. That means massive injury risk Brett Anderson is the No. 3 starter. They will rely on minor leaguers Mike Bolsinger and Zach Lee to bridge the gap until Ryu returns.

Given those pitchers’ lack of track records, though, the Dodgers may eventually look for external solutions should their potential playoff rotation look unimpressive.

The Outfield Situation Will Work Itself Out

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Joc Pederson has gotten off to an excellent start.

For the last two years, we have assumed the Dodgers have had too many outfielders. But last year, Yasiel Puig’s center field prowess relegated Matt Kemp to right field and turned left field into a Carl Crawford-and-Scott Van Slyke platoon.

This year—as was the case in 2013—injuries are solving the problem for Mattingly. Carl Crawford and Yasiel Puig are currently on the disabled list, so there is enough room in the lineup everyday for Joc Pederson, Andre Ethier and Van Slyke. These absences may also provide an opportunity for Alex Guerrero to get some plate appearances in the outfield.

Power Is Not a Problem

Mark J. Terrill/Associated Press

Adrian Gonzalez has eight home runs already.

As Dustin Nosler notes in this Dodgers Digest article, there was some handwringing during the offseason about where the team’s power would come from. Not surprisingly, several big bats have emerged as answers.

The Dodgers are first in the major leagues in home runs, and that is driven by the existence of three Dodgers in the top 30. Adrian Gonzalez, Guerrero, and Pederson have each been impressive thus far in 2015.

Kenley Jansen Will Strengthen an Already-Excellent Bullpen

Mark J. Terrill/Associated Press

Jansen should be back on the mound shortly.

Jansen is obviously a great pitcher, and he will make the bullpen much better. However, the relief pitchers have been amazing in his absence. The team’s bullpen FIP is first in the majors by a wide margin, and only two pitchers have FIPs over 3.00. Yimi Garcia has been a pleasant late-inning surprise; his emergence will leave the Dodgers with plenty of great options after Jansen returns.