The Los Angeles Dodgers completed a waiver trade on Friday, acquiring reliever Ryan Madson from the Washington Nationals in exchange for prospect Andrew Istler.
The Dodgers had to make a corresponding move to add Ryan Madson to the 40-man roster, and the casualty ended up being left-hander reliever Adam Liberatore as he was designated for assignment.
Liberatore was an essential part of the Dodgers bullpen in 2015 and 2016, but has been plagued by injuries in each of the last two seasons.
He has appeared in 17 Major League games this season, posting a 2.77 ERA, 4.39 FIP and 1.39 WHIP while striking out 12 and walking eight in 13 innings. Liberatore’s last appearance came on June 20 against the Chicago Cubs.
Liberatore did have one memorable moment earlier this season as he tossed a perfect inning on May 4 against the San Diego Padres in Monterrey, Mexico. The inning he pitched carried more significance considering he closed out a combined no-hitter for the Dodgers in a game that was started by Walker Buehler.
In 18 appearances with Triple-A Oklahoma City this season, Liberatore has struggled to the tune of a 5.19 ERA and 2.02 WHIP with 17 strikeouts and six walks in 17.1 innings.
If Liberatore were to clear waivers then it is possible that he remains in the Dodgers organization. Although, considering the 31-year-old has had success at the Major League level in the past, that is unlikely to happen.
