The Los Angeles Dodgers selected the contract of Jake Lamb and placed Zach McKinstry on the 10-day injured list due to neck stiffness prior to Tuesday’s game against the Colorado Rockies. McKinstry’s IL stint was backdated to June 26.
After being signed to a Minor League contract, Lamb made a strong impression in Spring Training and appeared to be under consideration for one of the final bench spots on the Dodgers’ Opening Day roster.
However, he was ultimately re-assigned to Minor League camp and began the 2022 season with Triple-A Oklahoma City. “I feel very fondly of Jake,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said in April.
“It’s a tough game to have that conversation when you know players are deserving. But he was a pro and I expect him, along with Kevin (Pillar), at some point to help us out.”
Kevin Pillar was first to receive an opportunity with the Dodgers, but he only appeared in four games and likely won’t return this season after undergoing surgery to repair a fractured left shoulder.
Meanwhile, Lamb got off to a bit of a slow start with the OKC Dodgers but improved in May and put together a stellar June. During 20 games this month, Lamb batted .342/.433/.618 with nine doubles, four home runs and 16 RBI.
Overall this season in Triple-A, Lamb has hit .290/.395/.537 with 12 doubles, 15 home runs and 50 RBI across 60 games.
He figures to primarily receive opportunities as the designated hitter in the Dodgers lineup and potentially make spot starts at first base or third base.
As for McKinstry, he lands on the IL two days after getting scratched from the lineup because of the neck trouble. McKinstry has only played in six games for the Dodgers this season, only two of which came after getting recalled June 19 as the corresponding move to Mookie Betts being placed on the 15-day IL.
Jake Lamb contract details
Lamb’s arrival is connected in part to his contract containing multiple opt-out dates, including one that was on the horizon. Had Lamb not been added to the Dodgers roster, it’s plausible they would have lost the eight-year veteran.
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