UPDATE (June 20, 6 p.m. PT): The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired Trayce Thompson in a trade with the Detroit Tigers, who received cash considerations.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have managed to withstand several injuries to their pitching staff this season, but Mookie Betts suffering a fracture in his right ribs along with MLB implementing new roster rules, created a need for a position player.
Prior to the series finale against the Cleveland Guardians, manager Dave Roberts said the Dodgers were focused on adding a right-handed position player to their roster this week. After concluding the homestand with a loss, Roberts acknowledged it would be an outfielder.
That was followed by a report on Monday morning that the Dodgers were looking to acquire a right fielder who could platoon with Eddy Alvarez.
According to Jorge Castillo of the L.A. Times, the Dodgers are completing a trade with the Detroit Tigers for Trayce Thompson:
The Dodgers are acquiring outfielder Trayce Thompson from the Tigers, per source. Thompson gives the Dodgers a RHH outfielder in Mookie Betts’s absence. @juanctoribio was on it.
— Jorge Castillo (@jorgecastillo) June 20, 2022
The Dodgers reportedly are acquiring Thompson in exchange for cash considerations, per Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic:
Trayce Thompson had an opt out and wasn’t going to get an MLB op with the Tigers. Detroit getting cash considerations, per source
— Cody Stavenhagen (@CodyStavenhagen) June 20, 2022
Once made official, the trade will mark a reunion for Thompson and the Dodgers. Reports of the deal come on the same day his brother, Klay Thompson, and the Golden State Warriors celebrated winning the 2022 NBA Finals with a parade in San Francisco.
Trayce Thompson last played for the Dodgers during the 2017 season. Over parts of two years with the club, he hit .207/.287/.407 with 13 doubles, 14 home runs and 34 RBI in 107 games.
Thompson appeared in six games for the San Diego Padres this season but struggled and was designated for assignment in May. He went on to sign a Minor League contract with the Tigers and played for their Triple-A Toledo affiliate. His deal included an opt-out clause.
Thompson hit .299/.352/.639 with seven doubles, eight home runs and 19 RBI across 25 games with the Mud Hens.
Dodgers outfield without Mookie Betts
Although Thompson will make some starts in right field, Roberts said Alvarez, Zach McKinstry and Gavin Lux will continue to factor into the picture as well when the Dodgers are facing a right-handed starter.
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