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New Dodger Michael Young: Has he been a regular, or not?

In the last three seasons, Michael Young has played all four infield positions as well as designated hitter.
(Brian Garfinkel / Getty Images)
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Michael Young, the infielder acquired by the Dodgers late Saturday, is expected to join the club Monday in Colorado. Dodgers Manager Don Mattingly said he had spoken to Young on Saturday night, primarily to welcome him to the team.

Mattingly said he did not broach the subject of what Young’s role would be with the Dodgers. That seemed curious, since he made clear to reporters Saturday that Young would be a bench player.

Young, 36, is a 14-year veteran and seven-time All-Star. For the first time in his career, he will not be a regular.

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“He really hasn’t been a regular the last few years,” Mattingly said. “He’s been a guy playing part time and all over.”

The latter is true, the former is not. Young has transitioned from an everyday shortstop into a third baseman into a player who has started at all four infield positions the last three seasons. In 2011 and 2012, before the Texas Rangers traded him to the Philadelphia Phillies, he started most often at designated hitter.

In 2011, however, he led the Rangers with 631 at-bats. In 2012, he had 611 at-bats. This season, he ranked second on the Phillies with 468 at-bats and played in all but 10 of their 136 games.

“We’re not getting a young kid in the prime of his career,” Mattingly said, “and I say that with all due respect. ... We’re going to treat him with respect, and I’m going to make sure I’m honest with him about everything.”

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