In addition to activating Andre Ethier and Clayton Kershaw off the disabled list, the Los Angeles Dodgers called up multiple players and prospects from Triple-A Oklahoma City, headlined by Alex Verdugo. Friday marked the first day active rosters expanded.
In addition to selecting the contract of Verdugo, the Dodgers did the same with O’Koyea Dickson and recalled Rob Segedin. Verdugo is expected to start and make his MLB debut in the series opener against the San Diego Padres.
This season, his first with Oklahoma City, Verdugo batted .314/.389/.436 with 27 doubles, four triples, six home runs and 62 RBI in 117 games. There was some drop off since July 1, however, as he hit .252/.337/.387 with 13 doubles and three home runs in 188 plate appearances over 45 games.
Verdugo was the subject of trade speculation in July, though the Dodgers remained adamant against including him in a potential deal for Yu Darvish or others.
Dickson was selected by the Dodgers in the 12th round of the 2011 Draft. He completed a second season with Oklahoma City, batting .246/.328/.484 with 22 doubles, 24 home runs and 76 RBI over 116 games.
Dickson spent some time at first base (seven games; five starts) and otherwise saw the bulk of his experience in the corner outfield spots, playing 59 games (57 starts) in left field and 23 games (22 starts) in right.
Verdugo will wear No. 61 with the Dodgers, while Dickson will don No. 67. Like Verdugo, Dickson’s first game will signal his MLB debut.
The Dodgers created room of the 40-man roster for Dickson, Ethier and Verudgo by transferring Grant Dayton to the 60-day disabled list and designating Brett Eibner and Luis Ysla for assignment.
