Edges of the Los Angeles Dodgers roster have undergone some turnover over the past week, which included Dinelson Lamet getting designated for assignment as part of the team acquiring Connor Brogdon in a trade with the Philadelphia Phillies.
The Dodgers traded Minor League pitcher Benony Robles to the Phillies for Brogdon, who was DFA’d last week.
Prior to the deal, the Dodgers had called up Nabil Crismatt and more recently Gus Varland to have a fresh pitcher available to help what’s been a slightly overworked bullpen in the early stages of the season.
While the Dodgers didn’t make a roster move ahead of playing the series finale against the Chicago Cubs, Brogdon is expected to join the team for their matchup against the Minnesota Twins, per Jack Harris of the L.A. Times:
Dave Roberts said newly acquired Dodgers reliever Connor Brogdon will join the team in Minnesota this week
— Jack Harris (@ByJackHarris) April 7, 2024
Brogdon already is on the Dodgers’ 40-man roster but a corresponding move will be required to get him active for the Twins series. That could be accomplished by optioning Michael Grove or Varland to Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Grove has struggled in his role as a multi-inning relief pitcher and Varland is more organizational depth than bullpen mainstay.
Brogdon and the rest of the Dodgers bullpen are going to trying backing James Paxton, Tyler Glasnow and Bobby Miller during the games at Target Field. Miller’s start is coming on regular rest, making him the first Dodgers pitcher to take mound under such circumstances this season.
Though, Miller’s first start of the year also came on four days’ rest from his outing in the exhibition Freeway Series.
Connor Brogdon stats
Brogdon was a key contributor for the Phillies during their run to the 2022 World Series but has struggled since that point.
He made three appearances this year, allowing seven runs (six earned) in just two innings pitched. Brogdon’s command was an issue as he walked batters during his three games and also allowed two home runs.
The 29-year-old went 10-8 with a 3.88 ERA in 142 games (two starts) over parts of five seasons with the Phillies. He was selected by Philadelphia in the 10th round of the 2017 MLB Draft.
Brogdon is out of Minor League options, which would require the Dodgers to place him on waivers if looking to remove him from their active roster.
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