Needing another right-handed batter to counter Boston Red Sox ace David Price in Sunday’s three-game series finale, the Los Angeles Dodgers turned to an unlikely solution in Rob Segedin.
The career Minor Leaguer was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City, with Chris Taylor getting optioned to Triple-A and Trayce Thompson being transferred to the 60-day disabled list to clear room on the active and 40-man rosters.
Not only was Segedin immediately thrown into the fire, he started in left field. The 27-year-old played just five games at the position for Oklahoma City this season.
Segedin showed decent range on the first ball hit in his direction — tracking down a fly ball to the left-center field gap. Perhaps more importantly, Segedin showed the same slugging seen in the Minors.
He set a Dodgers franchise record for most RBI (four) in a Major League debut. Segedin’s first hit was a two-run double off Price in the fourth inning with the bases loaded:
Segedin finished the day 2-for-3 with a team-high four RBI. He was removed as part of a double switch in the sixth inning. The Dodgers aren’t slated to face any left-handed starters in the next six games on their homestand.
However, considering Segedin replaced Taylor on the active roster, whose versatility is still present in Kiké Hernandez, Segedin presumably will remain with the club for the time being.
