Grabowski Makes Play for Larger Role

When Dave Roberts returns from the disabled list, he might have to keep an eye on more than his strained right hamstring.

Jason Grabowski has made a strong case for additional playing time by providing a boost in the left fielder’s absence, batting .326 in May and hitting three of his four homers in the last five games. The rookie’s hitting streak ended at eight games Sunday when he hit into a double play as a pinch-hitter in the Dodgers’ 5-1 loss to the Atlanta Braves.

While saying he wouldn’t commit to employing him as a platoon player, Manager Jim Tracy indicated Sunday that he did envision more playing time for Grabowski, who is batting .333 in his last 48 at-bats after managing only one hit in his first 18.

“He’ll find his way into the lineup, just like Jose Hernandez finds his way in and Robin Ventura periodically finds his way in,” Tracy said.

Grabowski, batting .258 with eight runs batted in, says he hopes he has given the Dodgers another option.

“If we’re a better team with D.R. out there, then he belongs out there,” Grabowski said. “That’s just the way it is. My job was just to fill in for him, so I just wanted to do the best I could to help us win and hopefully make it a tough decision for them when he comes back.”

Grabowski’s versatility could help him find a spot in the lineup even after Roberts returns. Grabowski can play the corner outfield and infield positions and even catcher in an emergency.

“Another thing that’s interesting about him is his character and his work ethic,” Tracy said. “In close to his first 20 at-bats, there wasn’t a whole lot of success to build from, and yet he never wavered. I would come in early in the afternoon and he would be one of the earlier arrivals looking for [batting coach Tim Wallach] to head down to the cage or do this or do that.

“He’s doing a terrific job for us.”

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Roberts traveled with the team to Milwaukee on Sunday evening but will report to Class-A Vero Beach to start what is expected to be a short rehabilitation assignment Tuesday.

“Right now the plan is for me to play two games and then see where I’m at after that,” said Roberts, who ran full speed around the bases before Sunday’s game. “I’ve basically tested my leg and it feels great, so I think the point [of the assignment] is just to kind of get back to game speed.”

Said Tracy: “What you don’t want to do is feel like you didn’t take the opportunity to do that one day or two and you end up making a move and 48 hours after you reactivate the player, he reaches for the back of his leg or becomes very sore. Then I don’t think you’ve done it right.”