Dodgers’ Kevin Kiermaier On Being in LA: ‘They’ve Pumped Life Into Me’

The Los Angeles Dodgers have come to play as we are in the heart of the second half of the season. Since the All-Star break, the Dodgers are one of the hottest teams in the major leagues and are only 1.5 games back from the best record in the National League as of Sunday.

Although the Dodgers have been depleted with injuries, they have still managed to remain the elite club they are on paper. A few big trades here and there have also done the job; however, a trade that may have flown under the radar for L.A. is acquiring veteran outfielder Kevin Kiermaier.

The Dodgers acquired Kiermaier on the day of the trade deadline, and since arriving in Los Angeles, it has brought him a sense of fresh air. The 34-year-old didn’t mince any words regarding how much the Dodger organization has meant to him in such a short amount of time.

“Yeah, they’ve pumped life into me,” Kiermaier said. “Playoff atmosphere, a team that plays in October every year, this is what I want. My situation earlier in the year in Toronto was … I love the guys over there, but when you’re not winning, life is not as fun.

“Coming here, being first place in the division and going to battle with these guys each day is an absolute blast. I just want to do my part each and every day.”

The Dodgers traded for Kiermaier in exchange for southpaw reliever Ryan Yarbrough.

Kiermaier says the Dodgers have given him life, and the numbers show it. In 11 games for the Dodgers, he’s slashed .259/.310/.407 with a .717 OPS, one home run, five RBIs, and six hits in 24 at-bats. So far, all these numbers are an increase from how he performed in his first 81 games with the Tampa Bay Rays.

The lefty batter has provided the defense for the Dodgers, as he’s done his entire career, winning four Gold Glove awards. However, if he can provide a punch of offense, L.A. will be the team everyone fears once October hits. That may be a big ask, but if Kiermaier can somehow continue his groove, opposing teams will need to watch out.

The Indiana native is happy in Los Angeles, and his play is showing as such.

Photo Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports

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