Despite Limited Role, Rookie Jonny DeLuca is Proving He Belongs at the MLB Level

Jonny DeLuca became a Major Leaguer on June 4th when the Dodgers put Trayce Thompson on the injured list with an oblique strain. Unlike most young players, DeLuca plays sparingly, mostly against left-handers.

Most Major Leaguers have difficulty adjusting to a part-time role, and DeLuca is not the exception. Rarely, any Major-League organization will promote a role player even though role players are crucial to the success of a team. Thus, DeLuca was used to playing every day before coming to the Dodgers.

In an interview on AM570 radio, DeLuca discusses the adjustments to a part-time role.

"I'm obviously in a different role than I ever have been just throughout my minor league career, but feeling more and more comfortable with it and just the process of it. And I'm just looking to contribute in any way possible."

DeLuca wants to find a routine to help him to succeed in his new role in the Major Leagues.

"Just finding something that gives you confidence every day to go out there and perform at your best -- something that doesn't change that you can do every day."

DeLuca is already outperforming Trayce Thompson, the player he is replacing. Before he strained his oblique., Thompson played in 36 games and had a .155 batting average with 5 home runs and 14 RBI.

Many Dodger fans hope they won’t see Thompson again in a Dodger uniform. DeLuca, a hometown boy who reminds us of former Dodger Ron Cey, has a .250 batting average with 1 home run and 3 RBI in 18 games.

Dodger fans want to see more DeLuca.