Rollins says he's still Dodgers' everyday shortstop as he returns from injury
For the first time in two weeks, Jimmy Rollins started at shortstop for the Los Angeles Dodgers, reclaiming what he believes will be his full-time post down the stretch despite Corey Seager's early success with the team.
Returning to the starting lineup from a sprained right index finger, Rollins started his first game for the Dodgers since Sept. 6.
While the 36-year-old veteran shortstop has been injured, rookie Seager has thrived while filling in for Rollins.
However, although the Dodgers see Seager as their long-term shortstop, Rollins is left with the impression that he'll remain the starter at the position for the bulk of the rest of the regular season.
"As long as my hand's good, I'll probably be out there," Rollins told the Los Angeles Times. "So, I'll probably go from that."
The Dodgers prepared themselves for a logjam at the position this year by having Seager play games at third in the minors. So far, he has started three games for the Dodgers at the hot corner, and Rollins expects the 21-year-old rookie to continue to bounce around in the infield.
"[He's] definitely going to play different positions. And obviously if we can go ahead and get some wins and win a division, he'll be on the playoff roster," Rollins said.
Other than potentially sharing time with recently converted second baseman Chase Utley at the position, Seager will have third base to himself until Justin Turner returns from injury.
However, even when Turner returns, Seager will likely remain in the infield rotation, whether at the hot corner or at short.
"We'll just see how it goes. Obviously he's a guy that's swinging the bat as good as anybody," manager Don Mattingly said of Seager.
(h/t Los Angeles Times)
