With the Aug. 2 MLB trade deadline fast approaching, the Los Angeles Dodgers roster figures to undergo some change as the team looks to reclaim the National League pennant and reach the World Series.
Thus far the Dodgers have been linked to Cincinnati Reds teammates Luis Castillo and Brandon Drury, along with Kansas City Royals utility man Whit Merrifield. Pitching figures to be a focal point, but Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman isn’t big on the relief market at the trade deadline.
As the Dodgers continue to explore potential trades, they appear to have added to their organizational depth as well.
According to Juan Toribio of MLB.com, the Dodgers signed Hansel Robles to a Minor League contract after he was designated for assignment and released by the Boston Red Sox:
Can confirm @mikedeportes' report that the #Dodgers have signed RHP Hansel Robles, who was DFA'd by the Red Sox.
It's a minor league deal for Robles, per source.
— Juan Toribio (@juanctoribio) July 15, 2022
With Robles signing a Minor League deal, he’ll first report to Triple-A Oklahoma City rather than join the big league roster.
The right-hander was traded to the Red Sox in a deal with the Minnesota Twins at the deadline last year. Robles went a combined 3-5 with 14 saves, a 4.43 ERA and 1.38 WHIP over 72 games last season, and found more success with the Red Sox.
Free agency didn’t prove to be robust for the 31-year-old, who wound up signing a Minor League contract with the Rd Sox during Spring Training. Robles made the Red Sox Opening Day roster, which guaranteed him a $2.5 million salary for this season.
He went 1-3 with a 5.84 ERA and 12.6% walk rate in 24.2 innings across 26 appearances prior to being released by the Red Sox. Robles enjoyed a breakout season with the Los Angeles Angels in 2019, when he was 5-1 with a 2.48 ERA and 23 saves, but has yet to replicate that.
After clearing waivers, the eight-year veteran held the right to refuse a Minor League assignment in favor of free agency due to having accrued more than five years of MLB service time.
Will Hansel Robles join Dodgers roster?
Although Robles is beginning his time in the Dodgers organization at Triple-A, he presumably could get called up at some point this year. Particularly if injuries continue to crop up in the bullpen.
In the meantime, Robles joins Dellin Betances as relief pitchers on the OKC roster with notable MLB experience and who may get an opportunity with the Dodgers if circumstances align.
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