Zeile Is Benched and Doesn’t Argue Call

The Dodgers, having exhausted all other alternatives, benched struggling third baseman Todd Zeile in the hope of finding a remedy for his woes.

“We’ve tried everything else,” Dodger Manager Bill Russell said, “so we’ll try this. What else can you do? We’ve tried everything.”

Zeile, who is batting .137 while mired in a two-for-32 slump, was told of the benching in a private meeting with Russell. Yet, unlike two days ago when Zeile persuaded Russell to change his mind when he considered benching him, there was no argument this times.

“It’s something they feel is necessary,” Zeile said, “and at this point I can understand, I guess. Obviously, he wants to see something different. Who can blame him? There are many frustrations beginning to set in, but that would be expected at this point.”

Zeile, who played in 163 games last season for the Philadelphia Phillies and Baltimore Orioles, said he has not been benched since 1992

“I usually don’t get a day off, and I don’t want a day off,” Zeile said, “but that’s not to say I’m upset or angry. I don’t think it’s punishment. It’s just a way to relax and be a spectator.”