UPDATE (Jan. 2, 11 a.m. PT): The Los Angeles Dodgers announced they acquired Dylan Baker from the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for cash considerations or a player to be named later.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have been relatively quiet this offseason, although they did make a trade to shed salary, sending Adrian Gonzalez, Brandon McCarthy, Scott Kazmir and Charlie Culberson to the Atlanta Braves for Matt Kemp.
That created open spots on the 40-man roster, two of which have since been filled by pitchers, as the Dodger ssigned right-hander Tom Koehler to a one-year deal and claimed a once-promising prospect in left-hander Henry Owens.
It looks like the Dodgers have also filled the 40th roster spot, as according to Chris Cotillo of SB Nation, they claimed right-hander Dylan Baker off of waivers from the Milwaukee Brewers:
Source: Dodgers claim RHP Dylan Baker off waivers from Milwaukee.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) January 2, 2018
Baker was a fifth-round pick of the Cleveland Indians in 2012 out of Western Nevada College. His offseason has been similar to Owens’ as he was designated for assignment by the Indians and claimed by the Brewers, only to be released again shortly after.
The 25-year-old was limited to just 12.2 innings across 13 games for Double-A Akron in 2017, pitching to a 2.84 ERA and 1.26 WHIP while striking out 10 and walking just one.
With him never pitching above Double-A, the Dodgers likely aren’t counting on Baker to contribute much at the big league level in 2018. Although he provides depth that the Dodgers front office values so much.
If the Dodgers were to sign a free agent or make a trade that requires an open 40-man roster spot then Baker may end up being the casualty, as most of the current roster is filled with guys that already have had Major League experience.
