Matt Sauer was released by the Los Angeles Dodgers after clearing waivers upon getting designated for assignment. Sauer was DFA’d last weekend in order to make room on the 40-man roster for Chuckie Robinson.
Robinson at that point became the second new catcher in a three-day span to join the Dodgers because of injury. Ben Rortvedt was called up last Thursday because of Will Smith’s bone bruise in his right hand.
Dalton Rushing was put on the 10-day injured list with a right shin contusion as the other corresponding move to the Dodgers selecting the contract of Robinson. He didn’t appear in a game before getting optioned two days later when Max Muncy was activated.
Sauer went 2-1 with a 6.37 ERA and 1.45 WHIP in 10 appearances (one start) with the Dodgers. The right-hander last was up with the team in August but just spent one day on the roster before getting optioned to Oklahoma City on Aug. 22 as the corresponding move to Tanner Scott returning from the injured list.
That represented the fifth time this season Sauer was optioned to the Minors. It’s the most allowed for one year under the current collective bargaining agreement (CBA).
If the Dodgers recalled Sauer at some point again in 2025, he would have needed to pass through waivers if they looked to then remove him from their roster prior to the regular season concluding.
During his time with Triple-A Oklahoma City this season, the 26-year-old went 5-5 with one save and a 5.86 ERA in 18 games (17 starts).
What’s next for Matt Sauer?
Sauer is now a free agent to sign with any team, but he would not be eligible for the postseason if doing so. He presumably could be useful for a Minor League club that is going to be in the playoffs.
Otherwise, Sauer might remain a free agent heading into the offseason and decide on his future at that point.
Sauer joined the Dodgers on a Minor League contract in January.
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