I decided to pose that question to ChatGPT, and here was its surprising answer:
Good question — it does look odd on the surface when the Dodgers have historically been quick to cut bait on veterans (A.J. Pollock, Hanser Alberto, even Joc Pederson a few years back) while sticking with Michael Conforto despite his inconsistency. But there are a few reasons that explain why Conforto is still around while guys like Jason Heyward and Chris Taylor were let go or marginalized:
1. Contract & Control
Conforto is under a guaranteed deal this year that the Dodgers likely don’t see as sunk yet. They gave him money and innings with the expectation he could return to his pre-injury Mets form — 20–30 HR power with a strong OBP.
Heyward and Taylor had different contract/roster contexts. Heyward was on a cheap, short-term flyer with little downside, while Taylor’s deal became an anchor because his offensive decline paired with high strikeouts made him less versatile than before. Cutting them was a financial reset.
2. Underlying Metrics Still Tempting
- Conforto’s hard-hit rate, exit velocity, and swing decisions are still “above replacement” even when his results look bad. The Dodgers lean heavily on those underlying numbers — if they see a player is making the right kind of contact, they’ll give him more leash.
- Heyward, while he provided leadership and defense, had clear physical decline signs. Taylor’s strikeout profile was moving in the wrong direction with little analytical hope of reversal.
3. Positional Role & Depth Chart
- Conforto provides left-handed power in a lineup that is extremely right-handed heavy (Betts, Smith, Freeman, Ohtani is the only LH star but much of the bench is RH). His profile fills a hole the Dodgers don’t have a ton of depth in.
- Heyward’s defensive-first, low-power RF skillset was easier to replicate with younger guys. Taylor’s “Swiss Army knife” role is now better filled by Kiké Hernández, Miguel Rojas, and Kim.
4. Clubhouse & Intangibles
- The Dodgers aren’t shy about valuing fit. Heyward was beloved in the clubhouse, but they may have felt his role was already filled by leaders like Betts and Freeman. Taylor, while respected, had become expendable because his production didn’t match his contract.
- Conforto has a reputation as a steady pro who doesn’t rock the boat — which matters when you’re rotating out prospects and platoons.
5. The “Dodger Reclamation” Playbook
- L.A. has made a living betting on former All-Stars (Turner, Muncy, J.D. Martinez) finding it again. Conforto fits that mold better than Heyward or Taylor because his ceiling — if it clicks — is a middle-of-the-order bat.
- They’ll stick longer with that archetype because the payoff is huge, while the others were lower-upside “hold the line” veterans.
In short: Conforto still looks (to the front office’s models) like a guy one tweak away from being a 25-HR, .350 OBP bat. Heyward and Taylor, by contrast, looked like veterans whose trends were irreversible.
Why the Dodgers Might Be Staying Patient
Here’s a breakdown of what might be guiding L.A.’s decision to stick with Conforto:
1. Encouraging Underlying Metrics
While his batting average and counting stats are subpar, his metrics like Hard-Hit%, Barrel%, and xwOBA suggest he’s still making quality contact. That gives the front office hope he’s one tweak away from more consistent offensive output.
2. Fit and Roster Depth
The Dodgers have long valued left-handed power in their lineup—and Conforto fills a niche they don’t have many alternatives for. Younger players like Andy Pages and Alex Call have had spurts, but they lack the track record or the same upside Conforto offers.
3. One-Year Investment
He was signed to a one-year, $17 million deal for the 2025 season. Cutting him now would still cost money and leave the team without a proven left-handed bat—especially risky late in the season.
4. Historical Model of Reclamation
Dodgers are known for betting on high-upside veterans (e.g., Turner, Martinez, Muncy). Conforto fits that mold—if he turns it around, the upside is middle-of-the-order power. That potential payout could justify patience longer than what they’d give to players without that ceiling.
5. Current Alternatives Aren’t Lighting It Up
Though there are prospects hitting well in Triple-A (like Outman, Pages, Ruíz), none have clearly outperformed Conforto to the point where bringing them up seems obviously better Even the discussion in mid-April suggested keeping Conforto in the lineup despite struggles; the alternatives back then were promising but not ready.
Final Thought
Even with a disappointing surface stat line, Conforto’s underlying metrics (quality of contact, xwOBA) keep the Dodgers invested in his potential. Given their limited left-handed power options and a front office that often honors upside, their patience aligns with both financial and strategic logic.
OK, but why not LH Batter Ryan Ward? Here’s what ChatGPT said:
So, Why Isn’t He in the Majors Yet?
Several factors seem to be standing in his way:
1. Not a “Top Prospect”
Even with blistering numbers, Ward is not considered a high-upside prospect in the Dodgers organization. He’s more of a “Quad-A” type—too good for Triple-A but not seen as impactful enough long-term for the majors.
2. Dodgers Called Up Someone Else
Rather than promote Ward, the Dodgers opted to bring up Justin Dean, a longtime organizational outfielder. Dean didn’t match Ward’s numbers but was presumably viewed as more versatile or a better 40-man roster fit.
3. Blocked Roster & 40-Man Constraints
Dodgers’ roster is crowded with outfields like Betts, Hernández, Pages, Ohtani—plus utility types. Ward’s not on the 40-man roster, meaning calling him up would require an open spot or DFA someone—something this competitive Dodgers roster may be reluctant to do without stronger trade value or long-term upside.
4. Organizational Preferences
Some analysts and fans see Ward as a perfect candidate for a breakout, yet the Dodgers seem to prioritize defensive versatility, floor control, or future upside over pure Triple-A production when promoting.
Reddit comments captured this frustrations well:
Final Thought
Despite his historic Triple-A season, Ryan Ward remains in limbo—an elite minor-league slugger, but not the Dodgers’ preferred MLB option. He’s a classic “Quad-A” guy with undeniable bat-to-ball skills, yet without a roster opening or strategic fit, it’s been tough for the team to take the plunge. Still, trading him could offer more value, or maybe the Dodgers are simply waiting for the perfect moment.
Ok, don’t shoot the messenger. That was all ChatGPT. Of course, Michael Conforto continues to control many Dodger fans’ minds as they continue to wonder, “Why is he in the lineup?” Well, he did have a good game last night. So did that Sheehan dude.
DODGER NEWS & NOTES
- Andy Pages is getting hot at the right time.
- Teoscar is finally locked in on defense after getting called out by Doc.
- Michael Conforto showed promise… finally!
- Nomar sounded different last night, and I really like him paired with Joe Davis. I can listen to EK and Orel, but not Jessica.
- It sounds like Doc went to the whip and told the team that he wanted them to go on a 30-game sprint… and they responded!
Discussion (46)
Disagree, not disagreeable
Walker Buehler released by the Red Sox
Well kike has at least brought a batter in th elineup that I can kind of rely on now to get a hit when runners on base. For the last month with out him we were missing that with guys striking out like Call, Kennedy, Rushing, Conforto, Freeland, Rojas, now Kike gets up and were like okay he will get a hit strikeout or homer. Big question how can he do that when being off so long but them other five guys struggle so badly at the plate. Id like to see Ryan Ward get called up and send Call down to OKC just see if Ward can hit in the majors because he is smashing it in the minors and helllllloooo he plays in leftfield or rightfield. And why not we have seen Rushings Freeland and Call this year so why not Ryan Ward.
Plunkett on the Dodgers recent hitting woes ($$$$$)
https://www.ocregister.com/2025/08/28/how-did-dodgers-offense-sink-into-2-month-slump-and-is-it-over/?clearUserState=true
In 42 games from July 4 through their loss in San Diego last Saturday – as they blew a nine-game lead in the NL West – the Dodgers ranked 25th in runs scored (174), 27th in batting average (.233), 16th in on-base percentage (.313), 23rd in slugging percentage (.392) and OPS (.706).
“I can’t answer that question,” Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said when asked to explain the nearly two-month freefall. “I see everything in greys and very few extremes. Therefore, I rarely say anything is definitively 100% one thing or the other.
“But going into the season, I would have said that was impossible. I was wrong.”
Analyzing the team-wide slump in real time, Friedman said two things stood out. The team’s hitting with runners in scoring position which was extraordinarily successful early in the season course-corrected – not surprising, he said, because hitting with RISP is always “lumpy” over the course of a season. But during the slump, the Dodgers were also 30th in baseball at “making contact with velocity in the (strike) zone.”
true BEAR! would love to have the Durant kid from Boston in the lineup next season. way to many wild ass swings in this lineup! The last time i checked, a single and a base on balls is equal, 1 base. swinging at a pitch 2 feet outside the zone is not being a smart thing! Teo didn’t seem to be as bad last year. i could be wrong but don’t think so. ohtani? very frustrating at times from a guy in the running for MVP every year! the dodgers have been known as a team that doesn’t chase. well Doc & RVS should remind some of those guys that when you have a 3-0 count in a tight game, it doesn’t hurt to take a pitch! can’t score if you ain’t on base!
Puig could’ve, should’ve been an allstar every single season! from the neck down he was. From the neck up, he was lacking big time! THE dodgers seem to frown on those types, as it should be. I pray Pages isn’t in that category. Verdugo was in that category and got gone quickly. I believe Andy will be different, with help from Teo and Doc. But i do believe Doc has to be a little more firm at times with him. Base running blunders, throwing to the wrong base, swinging wildly at non competitive pitches, . Maybe they do talk to him behind the scenes, we don’t know. He has the chance to be an allstar every year. Let’s hope it’s in a dodger uniform! ……. Another sweep? let’s hope so since the friars are playing the AAA. twins this weekend! …. heading to atlanta to watch va tech and south carolina play sunday! my son is a proud HOKIE!
So I am thinking that like Gallo, Conforto stays and will be on postseason squad. Dean, Freeland are the first to go before him.
Mark – good to see you made it!!
Seriously though, well done because that’s a serious surgery. Amazing what can be done these days.
Treinen is a key player – not sure we’d have won it all without him last season.
The “Long Game” employed by the Dodgers and implemented by Doc, and enabled by AF needs patience. This is the time of year that the depth and slow play of the Pitching Staff should come to the fore.
I’m very excited and confident about the next couple of months.
David Vassegh
@THEREAL_DV
Dave Roberts said Hyeseong Kim will rejoin #Dodgers when rosters expand on Sept.1.
Michael Kopech is expected to return during this upcoming road trip per Dave Roberts.
Hello, I am using the new Dragon voice recognition software. This is my first attempt at using it.
I am confident the Dodgers will not lose tonight. Kike Hernandez has made a huge difference.
This is a bit cumbersome, but i hope to get accustomed to writing entire columns using the Dragon software.
It’s going to take some practice. But I am up for the challenge.
I am on hydrocodone for the next few days, so I may be a little more loopy than normal. Who will know the difference?
There will be many options in the bullpen for the playoffs. Blake Treinen is still struggling; hopefully, he can get it together by the playoffs.
Let’s not forget that Kirby Yates was the best relief pitcher in MLB baseball last season. I have never been a big fan however, his ERA speaks for itself. Many fans believed E. Henriquez was not ready for MLB however when he came to MLB from OKC the thin air aspect on he looks like a keeper Bobby Miller is still in play Tanner Scott is back and looks much better we do not know how long Alex Vessey it will be out.Jack Dwyer and Anthony banda have been solid all season.
I am just rambling practicing the software a bit loopy and not very good doing what I’m doing it will get better bear with me.
Peace out is better than peace all!
it’s the teams they should beat who cause the most problems! (rockies, pirates, angels, ) that pittsburgh series coming up could be a big one. Pirates can pitch! Dbacks won’t go quietly this weekend either.
Some information on Dodgers and Padres schedule going forward
Los Angeles Dodgers
As they look to hold into first place in the NL West, the Dodgers will benefit from a schedule that will see them play just two of their last nine series against current playoff teams.
San Diego Padres
The Padres don’t have it as easy as the Dodgers, even though they do get to play the Rockies seven times in September. Games against the Reds and Mets will be pivotal for San Diego’s standing in the Wild Card race, as well as its chances of catching Los Angeles.
Conforto still stinks despite what all the underlying metrics might say. His nice catches are because he’s slow as molasses. His hits are surprises. When he comes to the plate I hope he only makes one out and not two. Anything more is a bonus.
I so look forward to Muncy, Edman, and Kim’s return. I hope the extended rest by Edman will get him back to where he was in April.
How bout Conforto!!!!
Take care Mark. Good on you that you’re already in recovery mode.
Praying for a swift recovery Mark
At the hospital from 9:30 to 5:30. Learning Dragon speech software. slept good hooked up to cryo cuff.
Mark, hope your surgery went well.
Edgardo Henriquez, who just turned 23 years old….
11 games, 11 innings, 7 Ks, 2 BB, 0 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, .195 BA
Ohtani, Dreyer, Wrobleski, Henriquez and Treinen combined to strike out NINETEEN Reds in this one.
Kudos to Conforto reaching his 10th HR. Over the last seven days, he’s hit to an OPS of .844. Will he hang on to a roster spot or not?
San Diego just lost to the Mariners. Chance to pick up a full game in the standings with a win against the Reds tonight and go up 2 games.
8:40 PM ET
Reds (68-65)
Dodgers (76-57)
SP Nick Lodolo L
8-6 3.05 ERA
SP Shohei Ohtani R
0-1 4.61 ERA
Confirmed Lineup
DH S. Ohtani L
SS Mookie Betts R
RF T. Hernandez R
CF Andy Pages R
1B E. Hernandez R
LF M. Conforto L
2B Miguel Rojas R
C D. Rushing L
3B A. Freeland S
81° Wind 9 mph Out
Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman is out of the team’s lineup for Wednesday’s series finale against the Cincinnati Reds. Manager Dave Roberts told reporters that Freeman has a “stinger” in his neck/shoulder, but shouldn’t miss much time .Roberts said Freeman is expected to be back in the lineup on Friday. However, Freeman never likes to miss games, so him sitting for Wednesday’s series finale means the injury is at least somewhat of a big deal.
YIKES!!
“””A deranged fan threatened to kill the dog of Red Sox pitcher Dustin May in response to a social media post by the pitcher’s wife.”””
OMG
As for Pages slide attempt it looked like he got off stride. His last few steps were very small as if he wasn’t sure when to slide.
But anyway, on this site and all the others the members complaining about the Dodger approach of slug, slug slug. All or nothing and double digit SOs every game. And we know Roberts and SVS and AF know more than us about analytics. But now I read that Roberts is happy on the approach the last few games where guys are more under control etc. So It took him until August to get guys to do that. Or are they just doing it on there own, and the hell with the ‘system.?
pages seems to be on his own island at times. very talented. very good. very stubborn! Let’s pray that he’s not another puig! or worse, another verdugo! ….. Clayton is amazing! Could justin wrobleski be the next lefty to be in the rotation for several years. Now i’m not saying he’s anywhere close to being Clayton Kershaw, but he could be very good for a long period of time! …. great swing from Will last night! I’m sure Dalton is going to be in there tonight. looking for him to start hitting much better down the stretch as he’ll probably get a lot more at bats as will rests more. Especially now that Will seems to be fading as far as the batting title goes. …. Freddie , once again saved Kike’s pork chop on a bad throw. but it’s good to see Kike back! ENERGY!! …. ohtani tonight. he really needs a good outing to get back on track. is it possible we could see a pitching tandem of Clayton and ohtani in the postseason? it could happen!
Stole this from FanGraphs, but would love to hear people’s thoughts here:
It’s the first inning. Runner on first, your second batter – and best hitter on the team – is up. You’re facing a top starter (not an replacement value/opener). If you, as the manager for the batting team, could guarantee X number of pitches for the at bat in exchange for a strikeout, at what point would it be worth it?
Example: a 25 pitch strikeout is a positive outcome (right) because it adds so much to the pitch count.
I dont put the steal of 2B as a blunder, just got caught, it happens.
The one he went to third, yes, cant happen.
Nice game by Kersh last night. First time he has recorded five straight wins in six years. Pages still has his head up his ass on the basepaths. Made two huge blunders last night that cost them a couple of runs. Just pointing out the obvious. Freddie is a true pro hitter. That line drive down the left field line was a thing of beauty. Miggy with a clutch double that they ended up really needing. Pirates DFAd Andrew Heaney and another former Dodger, Carlos Santana, placed on release waivers by the Guardians.
08/26/25 Los Angeles Dodgers placed LHP Alex Vesia on the 15-day injured list retroactive to August 23, 2025. Right oblique strain.
08/26/25 Los Angeles Dodgers activated LHP Blake Snell from the paternity list.
David Vassegh
@THEREAL_DV
Max Muncy will face *live pitching tomorrow
Muncy is likely going to be activated on the upcoming road trip per Dave Roberts. #Dodgers
10:10 PM ET
Reds (68-64)
Dodgers (75-57)
SP Nick Martinez R
10-9 4.59 ERA
SP Clayton Kershaw L
8-2 3.13 ERA
Confirmed Lineup
DH S. Ohtani L
SS Mookie Betts R
1B F. Freeman L
C Will Smith R
RF T. Hernandez R
CF Andy Pages R
LF M. Conforto L
3B E. Hernandez R
2B A. Freeland S
77° Wind 7 mph Out
Good luck with your shoulder, Mark. Joint replacements have come a long way just.recently. I look forward to having you back very soon.
Just had my R Hip replacement on Tuesday. Week later and walking easily 20 feet without walker or cane. Stability in new joint is amazing. You will be a happy man after the pain subsides or the oxy kicks in.
The team is presently in a state of flux regarding both its forty man roster and the twenty six active bodies showing up at the stadium today. Prognostication as to the collection of available players by the end of the regular season AND hopefully the groups of dudes during each round of the playoffs is stimulating exercise due to the open ended nature of it all. On and on it goes, where it stops-who the hell knows?! I’m enjoying the ride. I’m in no hurry to live through the offseason, there’s no baseball and it friggin’ rains up here for months on end. GO DODGERS!!!
The two outfielders the Dodgers got in return for May potentially could be very good players at the MLB level. The Dodgers have a very good problem, a stock pile of talented outfielders. Perhaps some will learn a new position like second or third base but the Dodgers have a glut of middle infielders in their top 30. It will be interesting how this plays out. Surely some of the outfielders will be moved to plug a hole somewhere on the diamond. As Bob Seager wrote in one of his lyrics, “what to leave in and what to leave out.”
Jumping the gun a little we have to take care of business at hand.
I like this post! I would have used Gemini (the Gemini response is below,) but it’s a great post idea that can be repeated. Clever and thought provoking.
Kudos for also including your prompt to provide full context.
The Dodgers’ continued belief in Michael Conforto, despite his struggles, is largely based on his underlying metrics and the team’s historical approach to player development. While his traditional stats like batting average (.187), OPS (.617), and defensive outs above average (-5) are poor, the Dodgers’ front office and coaching staff appear to be focused on what they see as more promising indicators.
Key underlying metrics that may be keeping Conforto on the roster include his hard-hit rate, exit velocity, and swing decisions. These analytics suggest that he is still making quality contact and that his poor results are a result of bad luck or other factors, rather than a fundamental flaw in his hitting. The Dodgers’ organization has a history of betting on high-upside veterans who show these types of encouraging underlying numbers, with past successes including players like Justin Turner, J.D. Martinez, and Max Muncy.
The Dodgers may also be giving Conforto a longer leash than other players due to his specific role on the team. He was signed to provide left-handed power to a lineup that is heavily right-handed. While his production has not met expectations, the team may view him as a valuable commodity who fills a niche that is not easily replaced by other players in the organization. The fact that the Dodgers did not make a move at the trade deadline to address the “Conforto problem” suggests a continued faith in his ability to turn things around.
Furthermore, Conforto is on a one-year, $17 million contract. Releasing him would mean eating a significant amount of that money, which the team may be hesitant to do unless they are certain they have a better option. With a number of players like Kiké Hernández, Tommy Edman, and Max Muncy returning from injury, it has been speculated that Conforto’s roster spot could be in jeopardy. However, the Dodgers may be holding on to him as a stopgap until the roster is fully healthy and they have a clearer picture of their options.
What ChatGPT said seems like exactly what I’ve been saying, Dodgers management sees more in Conforto’s underlying analytics than fans have the patience to tolerate.
For them it’s business, for us it’s entertainment.
I was at the game last night. Sheehan was really dealing.
Agree on Pages. Also Teo. If they could avoid those chase swings it would be great
God luck with your surgeries. i had a knee replacement 2 weeks ago. it’s amazing how good these surgeries are. Let us know how the shoulder replacement goes – I have doctors who want to do that to me too.
Established Veteran means used to be a good player. Last night he looked like a pro, hitting, defending, running the bases. Basically, I see Conforto as a LH bench piece for the post season.
Mark: They put Pages’ in same boat as Outman? Shows fallibility in their research. Great read overall.
The only value in dumping Conforto would be playoff experience for someone, even a Crash Davis-like quad A.
Sheehan looked like a 1/2:starter last night, Betts looked like a hard working pro and pages took over the run-generating portion of the offense..
hope you have successful surgery and recovery. never met you but i know you are a good person. anyone who loves their family as you do is a 10 in my book! …. Conforto! Conforto , Conforto! nice game last night. we all know he has the ability, what we also know is he has driven us crazy this season. I’m not going to speculate anymore. i have no clue what they do. …. Alex Fleeman? i’m a big fan of! But he’s probably a roster crunch casualty! But probably a major factor next season!….. Emmit was excellent last night!! outpitched the highly touted Hunter Greene. kudos to Doc for letting him go out there for the 7th! ….. Banda could probably use a 10 day break. …. Mookie is coming fast!…. Teo made the plays last night, but boy did he make us nervous!……. Pages ? more impressive than the 2 homers, him laying off pitches completely out of the strike zone!……. Will is tired, again. …. Maybe Max is, as someone suggested, getting better quicker after watching Fleeman! …. Clayton time! the reds have some pesky hitters. He could have a little bit of trouble with their lineup, but probably won’t!…. Guess i have underestimated Miguel Rojas’. value to the dodgers. He WILL be a big league manager sooner than later! …. Hopefully ohtani can rebound from his last start and shut down the reds wednesday. He needs to get his groove back!
Best of luck with your surgeries and your recovery time.
Mark –
Thanks for clarifying a couple of questions I have had this season about the Dodger’s personnel decisions – Conforto and Ward. Your points provided more in-depth information for me which has helped me better understand those Dodger decisions. I feel badly for Ward and his apparent “Quad A” designation but have to rely on AF and his track record of success with the Dodgers. Thanks for settling these issues for me as we enter “crunch” time in the 2025 season. Also, best wishes for a successful shoulder surgery and recovery.!!!
A recent study by MIT showed that over-reliance on AI made people stupid. And I’m not saying that you rely on AI except for fun.
I do know but if I went around saying “Chat GPT says” or “Grok says” …. I would certainly feel stupid.
Mark
As always – THANKS for this awesome site!!
Best wishes on both the shoulder and back surgeries – I have an upcoming surgery on my right rotator cuff with tendon repair, so it will be interesting to hear how your rehab go.
Great start from Sheehan yesterday.
The Dodger’s have had some quality starts recently now that rotation is getting back together. In a couple more weeks it will be an interesting “snap-shot” to see how many quality starts the Dodgers have had between mid-August to mid-Sept vs the rest of the league.
The obvious benefit to the recent trend of quality starts is that the bullpen usage has decreased substantially.
It will be an interesting last week (until 1-Sept) to see what occurs with Conforto – as a fan, I am done with him, but then I thought the same thing about Muncy 2+ months ago 🙂
Be well, big man
Just some thoughts. Muncy and Turner were not former All Star vets.
Lefty or not–Alex Call batting better against righties than Conforto. And 1game with 2 hits is just 1 game.
No matter what his contract is(was) . Most of it is paid by now, so not losing much if they cut him in next few days.
And yes, I know AF knows more than me!!