Dodgers' Alex Guerrero still not a starter

Alex Guerrero started at third base on Thursday afternoon, but it wasn't because he came through again the night before with a pinch-hit home run off of Madison Bumgarner.

“I told him the first game of the series he had this game,” Mattingly said.

Guerrero has to contend with third base incumbent Juan Uribe as well as super utility man Justin Turner. According to the Los Angeles Times, Mattingly made the following comments regarding bumping Turner for Guerrero:

“Where does J.T. fit in your plan?” Mattingly snapped. “Does he not play? Should he not start and then somebody come in for him?”

After having four outfielders contending for three spots last year, it appears the Dodgers have three worthy candidates to start at third this season. However, Mark Saxon of ESPN points out Guerrero’s value off the bench:

“Pinch hitters usually have pretty good strokes and he’s a guy who I think is pretty sound mechanically,” Mattingly said. “Guys who have good swings are usually good pinch hitters if they are in that aggressive mode.”

He has two pinch-hit home runs with five RBIs in seven at-bats this year. Though he's been pretty good as a starter too. He's gone 6-for-13 with two home runs and seven RBIs including his 2-for-3 day with a home run on Thursday.

(h/t Los Angeles Times)