Daniel Hudson was added to the Los Angeles Dodgers 40-man roster prior to their first exhibition game in South Korea. The Dodgers designated Andre Lipcius for assignment in order to make room for the veteran relief pitcher.
Lipcius was acquired from the Detroit Tigers earlier this month in exchange for cash considerations. Clayton Kershaw was put on the 60-day injured list at the time of the trade so the Dodgers could add Lipcius to their 40-man roster.
Lipcius appeared in 13 games for the Tigers last season, batting .286/.342/.400 with a 107 wRC+, one double, one home run and four RBI in 38 plate appearances.
Despite the solid offensive contributions, Lipcius still produced -0.2 wins above replacement (WAR) due to shaky defense that included two errors in 11 games.
In his Minor League career, Lipcius has played all four infield positions in addition to the corner outfield, but is primarily a third baseman.
It’s possible Lipcius remains with the Dodgers organization if he clears waivers and is sent outright to the Minors. The 25-year-old was originally picked by the Tigers in the third round of the 2019 MLB Draft.
Daniel Hudson joins Dodgers bullpen
That Hudson was going to be added to the Dodgers’ 40-man roster had long appeared a foregone conclusion this spring. Manager Dave Roberts said the team planned to have the veteran in the bullpen come Opening Day, and though he later softened on that stance, the expectation was Hudson would be on the roster early into the season.
The need for Hudson then grew when Brusdar Graterol developed left hip tightness and right shoulder discomfort that prevented him from being included on the Dodgers’ travel roster for South Korea. Graterol potentially is going to be available when the team’s domestic regular season schedule starts March 28.
Meanwhile, Hudson is looking to bounce back from having his 2023 season end early due to a right MCL sprain. Hudson’s 2022 campaign also ended early because of injury — a torn ACL in his left knee.
Dodgers option Vargas
Also on Saturday, the Dodgers optioned Miguel Vargas to Minor League camp. Vargas is with the team in South Korea and remains eligible to participate in their exhibition games.
However, Vargas will not be part of the Dodgers roster come Opening Day.
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