When Dodgers outfielder Joey Gallo homered off Jarlin Garcia on Tuesday, it was notable not just because it erased a deficit and gave the Dodgers a 3-1 lead, but also because Garcia throws with his left hand. Gallo, who bats left-handed, doesn’t see much left-handed pitching.
When Los Angeles acquired the former All-Star at the trade deadline, they had a specific plan for him, which they communicated immediately. Part of that plan was for Gallo to bat almost exclusively against right-handed pitching, to give him the best chance at success.