The Los Angeles Dodgers traded Minor League outfielder Paulo Orlando to the Chicago White Sox. The deal was completed last week and on the same day as the Dodgers trading Travis d’Arnaud to the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for cash considerations.
Orlando was signed by the Dodgers this past January after being a member of the Kansas City Royals organization since 2008. Included in that was Orlando spending time in the Majors during parts of the past four seasons.
He hit .263/.289/.384 with with 44 doubles, 10 triples, 14 home runs and 81 RBI while appearing in 278 games for the Royals during that span.
Orlando made a modest impact in 24 games with Triple-A Oklahoma City this season, batting .211/.325/.394 with five doubles, one triple, two home runs and seven RBI. His latest home run was one of three Oklahoma City hit in their win on Wednesday night.
Orlando had similar results while appearing in 21 Cactus League games as a non-roster invitee. The 33-year-old faced an uphill battle to ever join the Dodgers’ active roster, considering their depth throughout the outfield.
Orlando’s best opportunity figured to come when A.J. Pollock was placed on the 10-day injured list ahead of undergoing elbow surgery. However, the Dodgers instead opted to recall Matt Beaty despite the young prospect being another left-handed batter.
Beaty then returned to Oklahoma City in a corresponding move to the Dodgers signing d’Arnaud. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts outlined a plan to utilize d’Arnaud at first base and left field, and as a right-handed bat off the bench.
