Michael Young accepts reserve role with Dodgers

DENVER -- On his first day with the Dodgers, Michael Young said his childhood idol was his new manager, Don Mattingly.

Mattingly smiled Monday when he was told what Young said.

“It’s not going to get him in the lineup any faster,” Mattingly said. “Just kidding.”

Mattingly laughed.

“We’ll see what he says when the season’s over,” Mattingly said.

Acquired in a trade with the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday night, Young joined the Dodgers for the opening game of a three-game series at Coors Field.

Young wasn’t in the lineup. The Dodgers’ starting third baseman was Juan Uribe.

Young is expected to back up Uribe at third base and Adrian Gonzalez at first.

The 14-year veteran said he didn’t mind.

“My role is winning player for the Dodgers,” Young said. “It won’t be tough. It’s all about winning.”

Young had to waive his no-trade provision for the deal to be completed.

“It was an immediate yes,” he said.

Young noted that in the National League, bench players often get into games.

Young grew up in Covina and attended Bishop Amat High in La Puente. He estimated that he used to attend 20 games a year at Dodger Stadium.

But, he said, “If this team wasn’t where they were in the standings, sentimental value wouldn’t seem nearly as appealing.”

Young could start Tuesday, considering that Uribe is 0 for 15 in his career against scheduled Rockies starter Jhoulys Chacin.