In their smallest Spring Training roster cut this year, the Los Angeles Dodgers optioned Sheldon Neuse to Minor League camp. The Dodgers’ first wave of cuts saw 28 players removed from big league camp, and another seven earlier this week.
L.A. now has 36 players remaining in big league camp on the eve of playing their final Cactus League game. The group includes Jimmy Nelson, who was added to the 40-man roster. However, it no longer takes into account Tommy Kahnle as he was placed on the 60-day injured list.
The Dodgers traded Adam Kolarek and Cody Thomas to the Oakland Athletics last month in exchange for Neuse and Gus Varland.
Neuse was taken by the Washington Nationals with the No. 58 overall pick in the 2016 Draft, but was packaged along with Blake Treinen and Jesús Luzardo to the Athletics for Sean Doolittle and Ryan Madson in 2017.
At the time of trading for Neuse, the Dodgers were still without a starting third baseman as Justin Turner remained a free agent. However, Neuse was not viewed as a candidate to fill the void, but rather a right-handed bat off the bench who offers some versatility.
Entering play Friday, Neuse has hit .273/.333/.273 with four RBI over 18 Cactus League games. He’s logged time at first base, second base and third base.
Neuse embraced Dodgers’ suggestions
When discussing the addition of Neuse, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said the team was bullish on his hitting ability and what could come from working with the organization’s coaches.
“As long as it’s for the better who wouldn’t be open?” Neuse said when asked how receptive he would be to the Dodgers making changes to his swing.
The 26-year-old additionally made strides to improve defensively. “I think just moving my feet a little bit more and getting a little quicker,” Neuse explained.
“Kind of been at third base the last few years, and one of the things I took into the offseason was trying to cut some weight down to get more versatile. Be able to move around, be a little lighter on my feet and get quicker.”
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