In what’s seemingly become a yearly tradition, the Los Angeles Dodgers have faced a need for a right-handed hitting position player this season.
Trayce Thompson was on their Opening Day roster and expected to fill a platoon role, but he continued to have reverse splits. Thompson then suffered a significant left oblique strain in June that is expected to keep him out for multiple months.
The Dodgers have also been without Chris Taylor since June 25 because of right knee soreness that stemmed from a bone bruise and what manager Dave Roberts deemed “cartilage wear and tear.” Roberts recently said the hope was to activate Taylor coming out of the All-Star break.
In the meantime, the Dodgers signed Jake Marisnick to a Major League contract, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic:
Dodgers are signing outfielder Jake Marisnick to a big league deal, source confirms to The Athletic. @thevandalorian was on it.
Gives the Dodgers a right-handed bat.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) July 13, 2023
Marisnick was designated for assignment by the Detroit Tigers on July 9 as the corresponding roster move to the club activating Trey Wingenter off the 60-day IL. Marisnick cleared waivers and rejected a Minor League assignment prior to signing his reported contract with the Dodgers.
The 32-year-old was acquired by the Tigers in a May trade with the Chicago White Sox in exchange for cash considerations. Marisnick was hitless in nine games with the White Sox before the trade, and hit .232/.270/.420 with three doubles, two triples, two home runs and 12 RBI over 33 games with the Tigers.
The Dodgers signing Marisnick comes with some intrigue in terms of chemistry as he was part of the 2017 Houston Astros team that was found to have electronically stolen signs en route to winning the World Series. Of course, only Austin Barnes, Clayton Kershaw and Taylor remain from the Dodgers roster that was cheated out of a championship.
What role will Jake Marisnick have with Dodgers?
Marisnick figures to primarily receive opportunities against left-handed pitching. In 19 such plate appearances this season, he’s batted .235/.278/.588 with one double, one triple, one home run and a 135 wRC+.
Although, the veteran has been more of a defense-first outfielder throughout his career. Marisnick makes a second addition for the Dodgers this week, as they traded for Tyson Miller from the Milwaukee Brewers.
While Marisnick can fill the open spot on the active roster that was created when the Dodgers optioned Miguel Vargas to Triple-A Oklahoma City, a corresponding move is needed on their 40-man roster.
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