Dodger BlueDodger BlueDodger Blue
  • Dodgers News
    • MLB News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
    • 2025 Spring Training
    • 2025 Dodger Stadium giveaways
    • 2025 regular season
  • Team
    • Active roster
    • Salaries
  • Video
  • Odds
    • MLB Odds
    • NHL Odds
    • NFL Odds
    • NBA Odds
    • NCAAF Odds
    • NCAAB Odds
    • CFL Odds
    • UFC Odds
    • Boxing Odds
    • MLS Odds
    • PGA Odds
  • About
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact
Font ResizerAa
Dodger BlueDodger Blue
Font ResizerAa
  • Dodgers News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
  • Team
  • Video
  • Odds
  • About
Search
  • Dodgers News
    • MLB News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
    • 2025 Spring Training
    • 2025 Dodger Stadium giveaways
    • 2025 regular season
  • Team
    • Active roster
    • Salaries
  • Video
  • Odds
    • MLB Odds
    • NHL Odds
    • NFL Odds
    • NBA Odds
    • NCAAF Odds
    • NCAAB Odds
    • CFL Odds
    • UFC Odds
    • Boxing Odds
    • MLS Odds
    • PGA Odds
  • About
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact
Follow US
© 2024 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Dodger Blue > Dodgers News > Dodgers News: Dave Roberts Explains Decision To Sign Will Venable
Dodgers News

Dodgers News: Dave Roberts Explains Decision To Sign Will Venable

Matthew Moreno
June 16, 2016
3 Min Read
Dodgers News: Dave Roberts Explains Decision To Sign Will Venable
Jon SooHoo-Los Angeles Dodgers
SHARE

One day after the Los Angeles Dodgers released Carl Crawford, they added a new name to the crowded outfield by signing Will Venable to a one-year contract. Venable became a free agent after he exercised the opt-out clause in his Minor-League deal with the Philadelphia Phillies on June 10.

The 33 year old struggled during Spring Training with the Cleveland Indians and was released in late March. Venable hit .205/.304/.307 with seven doubles, two home runs and 19 RBIs over 41 games with Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Venable hit .251/.317/.406 with 81 home runs and 307 RBIs over parts of eight seasons with the San Diego Padres and Texas Rangers. Up until a trade last August to the Rangers, he spent the entirety of his career with the Padres.

While the decision to sign the versatile outfielder may have come as a surprise, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts explained Venable is the answer to a void the club was looking to fill, via Bill Plunkett of the OC Register:

“You look at our roster right now and a left-handed bat for a start in the outfield or off the bench late in the game – I think it was needed,” Roberts said. “I think it was one of those things where we were actively searching internally or outside the organization for someone who could fill that role.”

Venable and Roberts have preexisting relationship from their overlapping time with the Padres. With 13 pitchers on their active roster, the Dodgers have maintained a short bench for several weeks now.

Although Venable may not be much of an offensive upgrade over Crawford, his ability to play all three outfield positions gives the Dodgers added versatility. As for serving as a pinch-hitter off the bench, Venable is a career .256/.324/.421 batter against right-handed pitching.

His tenure with the Dodgers may be short-lived as Yasiel Puig is expected to be reinstated from the disabled list on Monday. Activating Puig will require Los Angeles to make a corresponding move on the 25-man roster.

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0
TAGGED:Dave RobertsLos Angeles DodgersWill Venable
ByMatthew Moreno
Matthew Moreno is a journalist from Whittier, Calif., who is a credentialed reporter and is currently the Executive Editor of DodgerBlue.com and LakersNation.com. In addition to covering Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angels Lakers, Matthew has a strong passion for keeping up to date with the sneakerhead culture. It began with Michael Jordan and Air Jordan shoes, and has carried over to Kobe Bryant's signature line with Nike. Matthew previously was the lead editor and digital strategist at Dodgers Nation, and the co-editor and lead writer at Reign of Troy, where he covered USC Trojans Football. Matthew graduated from California State Long Beach University with a major in journalism and minor in communications. Contact: matt@mediumlargela.com
Ad imageAd image
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Get breaking Dodgers News direct to your inbox.

You Might Also Like

Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Gavin Lux infielder throws the ball to first base
Dodgers News

Dodgers 2020 Regular Season Schedule Update: Opening Series Against Giants No Longer Includes Off Day

November 30, 2019
November 30, 2019
Ross Stripling, Los Angeles Dodgers
Dodgers News

Ross Stripling, Bill Russell & Steve Yeager Appearing At Viva Los Dodgers Prior To Rockies Series Finale

June 23, 2019
June 23, 2019
Scott Alexander
Dodgers NewsFeatured

Dodgers Roster: Scott Alexander Placed On Injured List, Andy Burns Designated For Assignment & Josiah Gray Called Up

July 20, 2021
July 20, 2021
J.D. Martinez
FeaturedRumors

J.D. Martinez Rumors: Interested Teams Making Low Contract Offers

March 16, 2024
March 17, 2024

Categories

  • News
  • Rumors
  • Games
  • History

Information

  • Advertise
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Get breaking Dodgers News direct to your inbox.

© 2025 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?

  • 日本語
  • 한국어