2013 Dodgers review: Skip Schumaker

The Dodgers got roughly what they expected out of Schumaker in 2013. He hit .263/.332/.332, which factoring in the decreased offense around the National League was right in line with his career numbers.

The left-handed hitter started 34 games at second base and 39 games in the outfield (17 games in center, 14 in left, and eight in right).

What went right

During July and August, two of the four best months by winning percentage in L.A. Dodgers history, during which they went 42-12, Schumaker was on fire, hitting .341/.412/.484 with seven doubles and two home runs.

Schumaker also pitched in a pair of games in 2013, throwing an inning in mop-up duty in blowout losses on Apr. 29 and June 28 Schumaker loaded the bases both times but pitched a pair of scoreless innings, becoming the 31st Dodgers pitcher since 1901 to have an ERA of 0.00 with at least two innings pitched.

"You don't get too many chances of that, and I remember growing up watching Orel [Hershiser] pitch, and I was on the same mound as Orel and that was pretty cool," Schumaker said after the first of his two pitching appearances.

In June Schumaker switched from uniform number three to 55, matching his idol.

What went wrong

Schumaker opened the season in a 7-for-52 slump, and on May 7 was hitting .135/.286/.154. He also hit just .204/.246/.241 in 21 games in September, including 12 starts.

Though Schumaker's versatility was a perceived asset, his defense was below average all over the field, especially at second base. Despite playing just 298 innings at second base, Schumaker rated dead last in Ultimate Zone Rating (among 52 fielders with at least 200 innings at second), second to last in Total Zone Rating, and third to last in Defensive Runs Saved.

He started five playoff games in center field for an injured Andre Ethier, but was just 3-for-19 in October with three singles and two walks.

2014 status

Schumaker turns 34 in February, and is a free agent.