In the three weeks or so since being everyone’s feel-good story, John Lindsey has started just one game, and even then he made it only to the 7th inning before being pulled. He’s had just nine opportunities to hit. Meanwhile, Russ Mitchell started out 0-15 and has just 2 hits in 24 plate appearances (both homers, granted) and has received six starts, and even Trent Oeltjen has managed to pick up two starts despite a crowded outfield. Yet Lindsey’s barely gotten a chance.

If you ask Lindsey, I’m sure he wouldn’t have a word of complaint. I have no doubt he’d flash a big smile and say that just being with the team is a gift, and who am I to say otherwise? But the feel-good story tends to lose a bit of its luster when the subject is nailed to the bench while other callups get to play, doesn’t it? Lest you accuse me of putting emotion ahead of baseball, there’s been a glaring need for power on the Dodger bench for years. Finding out whether Lindsey is worth a reserve spot next year – particularly with James Loney being spectacularly ineffective against lefties (.224/.265/.312), which is Lindsey’s strength – would seem to be a worthwhile pursuit.

There’s only nine twelve games remaining this season. Let’s see Lindsey get a chance.