The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired Amed Rosario at the MLB trade deadline for a second year in a row, this time through a deal with the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for Minor League pitcher Michael Flynn.
Last season, the Dodgers traded Noah Syndergaard to the Cleveland Guardians for Rosario. Both players were in the midst of a down year and there was some belief they each would benefit from a change of scenery.
At the 2024 deadline, Rosario appeared to be capable of helping provide improved production for the depth in the Dodgers’ lineup. But his second stint with the Dodgers didn’t end up lasting all that long.
Rosario was designated for assignment on Monday to make room for the return of Mookie Betts from the 10-day injured list.
The Dodgers are in a much different situation than they were just a couple of weeks ago injury-wise, as the sudden improvement in Max Muncy’s condition has been a welcome surprise.
Manager Dave Roberts noted Rosario was needed at the time but a wave of returning players left him without a roster spot, via SportsNet LA:
“It was a difficult conversation. He handled it like a pro. It was a short stint. Where we were at, at that point in time, we weren’t playing good baseball, guys were banged up, weren’t sure when guys were going to return. So for us to get him here was huge and kind of raised the floor. He helped us win some ballgames. As it stands with Mookie coming back, we had a tough decision and tough conversation.”
With multiple returning infielders and a lack of opportunities for Rosario to platoon against left-handed bats, he was ultimately the odd man out but Roberts believes the 28-year-old will make an impact with another team:
“I’m sure he’s going to land somewhere. I told him he’s a championship-caliber baseball player. With our lineup construction, I just didn’t see a lot of runway for him. When we get guys coming back, there’s going to be no left-handed starters, so we’re kind of in bed with the guys we have. So just giving him an opportunity to land somewhere and get some opportunities.”
Even with this reasoning, the decision for Rosario to be the first casualty of the Dodgers’ roster crunch over some of the other options is puzzling. While he has been most effective against left-handed pitchers this season, it is not as if Rosario is a liability when facing right-handers.
In 171 such at-bats this season, he has a .292 batting average.
The Dodgers have further decisions to make down the line once Muncy and Tommy Edman are ready to be activated. Choosing to DFA Rosario at that point certainly would have made more sense rather than doing so at this time.
Amed Rosario’s 2024 stats with Dodgers
Making five appearances (three starts) for the Dodgers out of the 11 games he was with the team upon getting traded, Rosario didn’t have many opportunities at the plate. In 11 at-bats, he collected two singles, one double, a walk, two strikeouts and scored one run.
Rosario also showcased a valuable skill, especially in the postseason, collecting two hits as a pinch-hitter.
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