The Los Angeles Dodgers claimed Yoshitomo Tsutsugo off waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for a player to be named later or cash considerations. Edwin Rios was transferred to the 60-day injured list in order to add Tsutsugo to the 40-man roster.
Tampa Bay designated Tsutsugo for assignment on Tuesday as a corresponding move to calling up Kevin Padlo. Tsutsugo was in the second season of a two-year, $12 million contract. The Rays were expected to make a move based in part on owing him a little over $5 million.
The 29-year-old starred with the Yokohama DeNa BayStars, hitting .285/.382/.528 over parts of 10 seasons in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball. He joined the Rays for the first time last season and struggled to hit for average while showing some power.
Tsutsugo collected eight doubles, one triple and five home runs in 185 plate appearances last year. In 87 plate appearances for the Rays this season, Tsutsugo only had four doubles. He’s been susceptible to strikeouts but does have a 12.5% walk rate.
His primary value to the Dodgers could come in the form of defensive versatility. Tsutsugo is capable of playing first base, third base and left field. He’s the latest in a flurry of activity by the Dodgers to add depth to the organization.
The team recently claimed Travis Blankenhorn off waivers from the Minnesota Twins, signed veteran relief pitcher Nate Jones to a Minor League contract, and reportedly agreed to terms with Albert Pujols.
The Dodgers will need to make another 40-man roster move in order to make the Pujols signing official.
Rios poised for surgery
Already on the 10-day IL since earlier this month, Rios was a candidate to eventually be transferred due to facing season-ending surgery to repair a partially torn labrum in his right shoulder.
“It’s one of those things where you deal with injuries — not even injuries — sometimes you think it’s just pain and you get treatment on it,” Rios said. “Once you get treatment, you feel better.
“It got to a point this season where I was getting treatment and it just wasn’t feeling better. That’s when I spoke up.”
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