The Los Angeles Dodgers designated Edwin Uceta for assignment in order to add Andy Burns to their 40-man roster and activate him so he can replace the injured Justin Turner for the remainder of the National League Championship Series.
Turner sustained a Grade 2 hamstring strain in the seventh inning of Game 4 and limped off the field. Burns was selected from a group of candidates that included Zach McKinstry and Billy McKinney, among others.
“Just the versatility defensively, the right-handed bat,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts explained of opting for Burns.
Burns first joined the Dodgers in June, and went on to appear in nine games. He was 3-for-11 with two runs scored, one double and three walks during that span.
Burns’ brief time with the team saw him make Dodgers franchise history by getting a hit and pitching in his first game. The return to the Majors was a first for Burns since appearing in 10 games for the Toronto Blue Jays during the 2016 season.
Uceta was part of Dodgers roster churn
Uceta made his MLB debut with a start against the Milwaukee Brewers at the end of April and was among the several pitchers who were frequently recalled and optioned off the active roster throughout the year.
The right-hander went 0-3 with a 6.64 ERA in 14 games (one start) for the Dodgers this season, which included two separate stints on the 10-day injured list for a left lumbar strain and right back strain, respectively.
Uceta also was placed on the seven-day IL while with Triple-A Oklahoma City in September. He finished 2-3 with a 4.71 ERA in 10 games (three starts) for the Dodgers’ top affiliate.
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