Dodgers catcher Ben Rortvedt connects for a double towards the Cincinnati Reds throughout Recreation 2 of the Nationwide League Wildcard Sequence at Dodger Stadium on Oct. 1.
(Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Occasions)
Neither Alex Name nor Ben Rortvedt had appeared in a playoff recreation till this season. And although neither Dodger reserve received off the bench within the first two video games of the World Sequence, they’re loads nearer to the motion then they anticipated to be earlier than the July trades that introduced them to Los Angeles.
“It’s actually cool. I’m simply soaking all of it in,” mentioned Name, who came to visit from the Washington Nationals on the deadline.
“It’s been a whirlwind,” added Rortvedt, who was acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays, then spent many of the summer time in Triple A earlier than being referred to as up when Will Smith received damage in early September. “I’ve been taking it extra daily, so it hasn’t sort of struck me as a lot as folks suppose it could. Positively when that is carried out I’m actually going to mirror and sort of notice how loopy it has been to sort of be on this group and be the place we at the moment are.”
Name, 31, who additionally performed with the Cleveland Indians in a five-year big-league profession, appeared in a single recreation in every of the Dodgers’ first three playoff sequence, going 3 for 4 with two walks, getting hit by a pitch and scoring a run.
“It’s sort of loopy as a result of it feels prefer it ought to have been tougher,” Name mentioned of reaching the World Sequence. “With the Nats, it’s like we have been going to must grind our manner all the way in which to the highest. And then you definitely get to come back over the Dodgers and also you’re the favorites, World Sequence champs. You’ve received most likely the most effective roster ever assembled, with superb stars up and down the lineup, after which they’re like, ‘Oh yeah, we wish Alex Name on our group.’
“That’s sort of a tremendous praise.”
Rortvedt, 28, who additionally performed with the Yankees and Minnesota Twins in 4 seasons, began the primary 4 video games of the postseason and hit .429.
“If I pinch myself, it’s sort of like I’m unsure [I’m here,]” he mentioned. “I simply attempt to be as ready as I can, perceive the magnitude of issues, and simply attempt to be ready and attempt to sluggish every little thing down and do my finest.”
