The Los Angeles Dodgers designated DJ Peters for assignment in order to add Danny Duffy to their 40-man roster after he was acquired from the Kansas City Royals in exchange for a player to be named later.
It was a bit of a surprise considering Peters was selected by the Dodgers in the fourth round of the 2016 MLB Draft. Though, the power-hitting outfielder has been plagued by struggles to avoid high strikeout numbers.
Peters has continued to work on improving in that area, and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was optimistic there would be strides made this year after seeing him in Spring Training.
“For me, this is as good of at-bat quality as I’ve seen from him,” Roberts said during camp. “So now it’s about continuing to do that and then getting the opportunity. I think this year, whether it’s early or whenever it is, I think this will be the year DJ gets to be a big leaguer and get some service time. He’s worked really hard.”
Peters went on to make his MLB debut on April 23 but struggled in limited opportunities. He hit .192 over 18 games (seven starts) across three stints in the Majors.
Although the Glendora, California native struggled at the plate, he relished in making his debut and later hitting a first career home run at Dodger Stadium.
“To get it here at Dodger Stadium was surreal. In order to do it against the team in orange and black is that much better,” Peters said.
In five Minor League seasons, he hit .266 with 96 homers and 290 RBI. Peters could remain with the Dodgers organization if going unclaimed on waivers, but it’s presumed a team will look to add him.
Dodgers trade for Scherzer, Turner
Hours after it appeared the Washington Nationals were on the verge of trading Max Scherzer, the Dodgers not only re-entered the picture for the future Hall of Famer but struck a deal to acquire Trea Turner as well.
Scherzer waived his no-trade clause as a player with 10-and-5 rights in order to facilitate the deal.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and more!
