March 14th, 2021 at 8:30 am 
by 0799291000348 Edwin Rios should heed the advice of Hall of Fame pitcher Satchel Paige: “Don’t look back. Something might be gaining on you.”
In this case, it is not something, but rather someone Rios should be concerned with – in particular, left-handed hitters Matt Beaty, Gavin Lux, and Zach McKinstry.
Rios arrived at Spring Training 2021 all but guaranteed a spot on the Dodgers active roster for the regular season, backing up Max Muncy at first base, Justin Turner at third base, and the Dodgers primary left-handed pinch hitter. But, two weeks into Spring Training, Rios may be looking in his rearview mirror as he has struggled with the bat, slashing .154 / .267 / .154 / .420.
Meanwhile, utility players Beaty and McKinstry have hit and played well in the field, respectively slashing .333 / .429 / .333 / .762, and .375 / .375 / .375 / .750. While neither player has Rios’ power, regularly putting the ball in play and getting on base cannot be ignored for role players.
(Photo credit – Jon SooHoo)
While Lux does not play third or first base, he may be the biggest competition for Rios’ roster spot. Lux is playing like the top prospect he was in 2019, slashing .316 / .316 / .368 / .684 in Cactus League play, with spotless defense. Should Lux become the regular second baseman, Chris Taylor will move into the super-utility role, including backing up Turner at third base. Taylor would also be available to backup Cody Bellinger in centerfield, allowing Cody to play first base in relief of Muncy.
A combination of Lux and McKinstry (or Beaty) could result in Rios opening the 2021 season for the Triple-A Oklahoma City Dodgers, rather than in Colorado to play the Rockies.
There are still two weeks remaining in Spring Training for Rios to lay claim to a roster spot, but he is losing ground to his competition.
“Don’t look back,” Edwin.
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It looks like a tossup to who will get the most playing time between Lux, McKinstry, Beaty and Rios. One could really emerge.
Next two weeks will decide. Plenty of time for anything to happen.
From what I have gathered from his Zoom pressers, Rios’s biggest fan is Dave Roberts. As such, I would be surprised if he is not on the Dodgers Opening Day 26-man roster.
You’re probably right, and there is plenty of time to turnaround Rios’ performance. But, if Lux becomes the regular second baseman with Rios at third and first where does Chris Taylor get his at-bats? Rios has the potential, but he is not yet as good as Taylor.
Third is probably the 5th or 6th spot on the list for Taylor to get at bats after 2nd, Short, Left, Center, and maybe right field (when Mookie gets a breather, Bellinger could shift to right and Taylor start in center). My guess is nobody will be starting 9 or even 8 out of every 10 games to start the season. There should be at bats for Taylor.
Cody in center, Mookie in right, and Seager as short and Muncy at first may be as close to full time starters as this team has. Even they might not start more than 150 games, but we’ll see.
As far as bench options go, Rios does have legit light tower power that can change a game in a single swing. DH would be a great spot for a guy like Rios. I used to be opposed to universal DH, but given the Dodgers depth it would be helpful. 28 man roster would have been nice too