Dave Roberts: Dodgers’ Decision to Option James Outman “A Tough One” Amid High Hopes

In a move that surprised many, the Los Angeles Dodgers optioned outfielder James Outman to Triple-A Oklahoma City this Friday. This decision has now opened the door for the return of Jason Heyward from the injured list, along with the much-awaited promotion of Miguel Vargas. For Outman, though, he had a breakout rookie season in 2023, but he has been struggling to find his footing in his sophomore year of 2024.

Just last season, Outman posted an impressive .248/.353/.437 slash line, smashing 23 home runs and 16 doubles. However, this year has been a completely different story—a 180-degree turn, if you may. His numbers have now plummeted to a disappointing .147/.250/.266. This sophomore slump, coupled with the impressive performance of rookie outfielder Andy Pages, has led the Dodgers to make the difficult choice to send Outman down.

Manager Dave Roberts himself has admitted that the decision didn’t come easy. “It was a tough one—I don’t think any of us expected to be in this position, given last year and our expectations for him this season,” Roberts shared with the L.A. Times. “But with the inconsistencies, the struggles, Jason coming back, Andy [Pages] play in the last six weeks, we just felt James needed an opportunity to go down and play every day.”

Roberts emphasized the importance of James Outman finding his rhythm away from the high-pressure ambience of the majors. “There’s something to getting out of this performance-based environment and just going out there and playing baseball. Once we can get him back on track, then we can get him back here.”

While Outman’s demotion has undoubtedly created a setback, the Blue Crew have found a silver lining in the play of Andy Pages. Initially called up as a temporary replacement for the oft-injured Heyward, Pages has seized the opportunity, with his presence injecting a much-needed spark into the Dodgers’ offense. His .267/.306/.446 line with 4 home runs only makes him a more valuable asset compared to many.

Jason Heyward’s return in the wake of James Outman’s ousting

Adding another layer to the Dodgers’ outfield situation is the return of Jason Heyward, who, after living through a frustrating 2023 season plagued by a lingering lower back injury, is back in action. His presence, along with Pages’ breakout performance, made it increasingly difficult for Outman to get the regular playing time he so desperately needed to regain his form. Is there no silver lining for Outman in this situation, then?

Well, the situation may not exactly be as dire as it looks. While a stint in the minors is never ideal for a big-leaguer, it could be a blessing in disguise for James Outman. Away from the intense scrutiny of the major leagues, he can now focus on rediscovering his swing, rhythm, and confidence. The Boys in Blue remain hopeful that the slugger will soon be back in Dodger blue, contributing to their 2024 campaign for a World Series stint. For now, the whole shebang is turning out to be a complex situation with multiple moving parts.

The Dodgers’ outfield situation is a complex one, with multiple factors at play. Outman’s struggles, added to Pages’ emergence and Heyward’s return, have all been contributing to the current dynamic. While their decision to opt out of James Outman was undoubtedly difficult, it definitely reflects the team’s commitment to both player development and winning. It certainly looks like the Dodgers’ outfield will continue to be a storyline worth watching in the coming weeks.