The Los Angeles Dodgers have had a strong start to their season, but they have not received much production from the bottom of their lineup.
James Outman, Gavin Lux and Jason Heyward have thus far struggled as their primary starters in center field, second base and right field. Outman and Lux can be expected to step it up moving forward, but Heyward’s case is a little more complicated.
Heyward had a resurgent 2023 season that led to him re-signing with the Dodgers, but he had a significant track record of uninspiring play leading up to that. His batted ball data also provided some cause for concern, even amid the quality season.
He is also currently dealing with a back issue that caused him to miss Monday’s game against the San Francisco Giants. Heyward has been dealing with a lingering back issue that dates back to the exhibition Freeway Series.
Amid those concerns, the Dodgers claimed Taylor Trammell off waivers from the Seattle Mariners, according to Robert Murray of FanSided:
Source: The Dodgers have claimed outfielder Taylor Trammell. He was recently designated for assignment by the Seattle Mariners.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) April 2, 2024
Trammell is a left-handed hitting outfielder who has spent parts of three seasons with the Mariners. The 26-year-old is also a former top prospect who was drafted 35th overall in 2016, but he’s struggled to find his footing in the Majors.
He was first traded from the Cincinnati Reds to the San Diego Padres in a three-team trade involving Trevor Bauer, Yasiel Puig and Franmil Reyes, and then again to the Mariners with Ty France, Andrés Muñoz, and Luis Torrens for Austin Nola, Dan Altavilla and Austin Adams.
He made his debut in 2021, but in 116 career games, he’s hit just .168/.270/.368 with 15 home runs, 45 runs scored, 29 RBI, four stolen bases and an 83 wRC+.
After failing to make the Opening Day roster, the Mariners designated him for assignment. He’s out of options, so he will either be on the Dodgers active roster, or he’ll need to clear waivers to be sent to the Minor Leagues.
The Dodgers will also need to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for Trammell if he’s added to their active roster.
Taylor Trammell’s role with Dodgers
As the move comes amid Heyward’s back troubles, it seems like things may be trending toward him going on the injured list with Trammell taking his place on the active roster.
He should serve as a backup with Chris Taylor receiving the majority of playing time in left field, with Teoscar Hernández in right field.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
