The Los Angeles Dodgers will need to add a position player to their roster on Monday as MLB begins to enforce a limit of 13 pitchers. Through Sunday, the Dodgers were among the teams carrying 14 pitchers.
The Dodgers are considering all options to add a right-handed bat, including those not currently in the organization.
“Yeah, our guys are thinking about some options; external, as well,” manager Dave Roberts said. “But the idea of having a right-handed bat join us, most likely. But I really don’t have names.”
Position players on the Dodgers’ 40-man roster who are not yet active are all prospects in Jorbit Vivas, Jacob Amaya, Eddys Leonard and James Outman.
Of those players, Outman is the only one who could be considered Major League ready. Jake Lamb and Jason Martin are also both playing well at Triple-A Oklahoma City, but neither are on the 40-man roster.
One other issue is all of those players bat left-handed and the Dodgers would like to add a right-handed bat with the loss of Mookie Betts because of a fractured rib.
The Dodgers could choose to promote Miguel Vargas, who is one of their top prospects and performing well for Oklahoma City. The 22-year-old infielder is batting .275/.372/.470 with 10 home runs across 63 games this season.
He is primarily a third baseman, but also has experience at first base and some minimal time at second base.
Vargas would be the most exciting name for the Dodgers to add, but the move would only make sense if they plan to give him an everyday role. If they are in search of someone to be utilized off the bench, they’d be better served going with a different option.
One potential candidate outside of the organization is Lorenzo Cain, who was just designated for assignment by the Milwaukee Brewers. Cain is having the worst season of his career so far, batting .179/.231/.234, but he has a long track record of being a quality player.
The 36-year-old outfielder still provides great speed and elite defense, so he could be a decent option in a bench role, especially if offensive production were to improve.
Potential Dodgers trade candidate
If the Dodgers were to make a trade, one name to watch would be Brandon Drury of the Cincinnati Reds. Drury is currently having the best offensive season of his career (.263/.329/.517 with 14 home runs) and will be a free agent after the 2022 season.
Given the Reds’ history and struggles, it’s likely they will be inclined to trade Drury at some point this season.
Drury has experience at every infield position and both corner outfield spots, plus he has even made an appearance on the mound.
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