Kolten Wong earns way onto Dodgers' playoff roster

Field Level Media|published: Sat 7th October, 14:36 2023

September 1, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Kolten Wong (25) reacts after hitting a three run home run against the Atlanta Braves during the eighth inning at Dodger Stadium. credits: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

After a disappointing 2023 season when he struggled and was designated for assignment in August, veteran infielder Kolten Wong rebounded to earn his way onto the Los Angeles Dodgers' National League Division Series roster.

Wong, who turns 33 on Tuesday, was released by the Seattle Mariners on Aug. 3 and signed a minor league deal with the Dodgers on Aug. 18. He finished the season 9-for-30 with Los Angeles and hit two home runs, including one in his first at-bat with the club Sept. 1. He had eight RBIs.

In 67 games with the Mariners earlier in the season, Wong batted .165 with two home runs and 19 RBIs.

The Dodgers selected Wong to the roster over infielder Amed Rosario, who was acquired from the Cleveland Guardians in advance of the trade deadline. Rosario, 27, batted .256 with three home runs and 18 RBIs in 48 games with the Dodgers.

In 11 major league seasons, Wong is a career .256 hitter with 86 home runs and 405 RBIs in 1,189 games for the St. Louis Cardinals (2013-20), Milwaukee Brewers (2021-22), Mariners and Dodgers. He won Gold Glove awards in 2019 and 2020.

The Dodgers open the NLDS on Saturday at home against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

—Field Level Media