In announcing their intentions to call up Walker Buehler from Triple-A Oklahoma City for his 2018 debut and first career Major League start, the Los Angeles Dodgers faced a decision in adding their top pitching prospect to the 25-man roster.
That was solved by designating relief pitcher Wilmer Font for assignment. Font made the Dodgers’ Opening Day roster, in some part due to being out of Minor League options.
“It was just more of we needed to make room for Walker. Carrying nine relievers is a little excessive and we just didn’t have the innings for him to pitch consistently,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.
Beginning Monday, the Dodgers have seven days to find a trade partner for Font, put him on waivers or release him. Should he clear waivers, Font could be sent outright to Triple-A Oklahoma City.
That might not be a likely scenario, however, based off Roberts’ comments. “We know there’s some interest in him out there in the market,” Roberts said. “And hopefully he lands somewhere on a big league club.”
Trade interest in Font is mildly surprising considering his struggles. In 10.1 innings across six relief appearances, Font allowed 13 runs on 18 hits, including five home runs, and had seven strikeouts.
He last pitched for the Dodgers on April 18, retiring all three San Diego Padres batters faced. If the club is able to find a trade parter for the right-hander, it likely would be in exchange for a similar fringe pitcher or position player who would be viewed as organizational depth.
