The Los Angeles Dodgers activated Connor Brogdon to their 26-man roster roster and optioned Gus Varland to Triple-A Oklahoma City prior to their series opener with the Minnesota Twins.
Brogdon was acquired on April 6 from the Philadelphia Phillies for Minor League pitcher Benony Robles after he was designated for assignment on April 2.
Brogdon was a key contributor for the Phillies during their 2022 World Series run. He also posted a solid 2021 season, but he has regressed since finding success.
The 29-year-old made three appearances this year, allowing seven runs (six earned) in just two innings. Brogdon’s main issue has been his command, walking six hitters during those three games, while also surrendering two home runs.
The right-hander went 10-8 with a 3.88 ERA in 142 games (two starts) over parts of five seasons with the Phillies. He has fanned 146 batters in 144 innings while limiting hitters to a .235 batting average against.
Brogdon was already on the 40-man roster, so no corresponding move was needed to add him there. However, he is out of Minor League options, so the Dodgers would need to place him on waivers if they wish to remove him from their active roster.
He was drafted by the Phillies in 2017 in the 10th round of the First Year Player Draft out of Lewis-Clark State.
Gus Varland optioned for Connor Brogdon
Varland tossed 0.1 innings in the loss against the Chicago Cubs on Sunday, allowing two runs before the rain delay. He has made two appearances, allowing two runs (one earned) in 0.2 innings.
Varland is in second Major League season, and he has a 6.86 ERA in 18 games with a 1-1 record. With Triple-A Oklahoma City, he allowed two runs in 3.2 innings with four strikeouts this season. In his minor league career, he is a combined 10-13 with 230 strikeouts in 212.1 innings in 113 games (37 starts).
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