The Los Angeles Dodgers reinstated Hanser Alberto from the paternity list and designated Stefen Romero for assignment prior to Saturday’s game against the Atlanta Braves. The team additionally recalled Mitch White from Triple-A Oklahoma City and put Daniel Hudson on the 15-day injured list.
White starts in place of Andrew Heaney, who landed on the IL Friday for a second time this season. Hudson is expected to undergo season-ending surgery for a torn ACL in his left knee.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers welcome Alberto back after he missed the maximum three days permitted while on paternity leave.
Alberto has appeared in 34 games this season and hit .242/.254/.333 with one home run, seven runs scored and four RBI across 67 plate appearances.
Although his offense has been limited, Alberto has been a versatile player off the bench the Dodgers, making appearances at second base and third base. He has also seen some limited time in right field and made two relief appearances.
Romero did not appear in any of the three games he was up with the Dodgers, though it nevertheless marked his first time back in the Majors since 2016. Romero previously spent parts of three seasons with the Seattle Mariners from 2014-2016, batting .195/.242/.307 with four home runs, 26 runs scored and 17 RBI in 94 games.
He then began playing overseas, doing so with the Orix Buffaloes of the Japan Pacific League from 2017-2019 and again in 2021, and the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles in the Japan Western League in 2020.
Romero hit .265/.332/.498 with 70 doubles, 99 home runs and 272 RBI over 445 games in Japan.
The 33-year-old signed a Minor League contract with the Dodgers this past offseason.
With the OKC Dodgers this season, Romero hit .270/.337/.461 with three home runs, 15 runs scored and 21 RBI. He also appeared in six Cactus League games, going 2-for-13 with one double, one RBI and one walk.
Will Dodgers keep Stefen Romero?
Romero will now pass through waivers and if going unclaimed, could be sent outright to Oklahoma City. Doing so would keep him in the organization but remove the veteran outfielder from the Dodgers’ 40-man roster.
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