With the Aug. 2 MLB trade deadline on the horizon, the Los Angeles Dodgers made a move to bolster their bullpen on Saturday, sending Zach McKinstry to the Chicago Cubs for veteran relief pitcher Chris Martin.
McKinstry was selected by the Dodgers in the 33rd round of the 2016 MLB Draft and once appeared to be an heir apparent to Kiké Hernandez in a super utility role. However, the 27-year-old only appeared in 60 games last season and never quite gained traction this year.
McKinstry went just 1-for-11 with one home run, two RBI and three walks in 10 games for L.A. and seemingly was behind Eddy Alvarez on the depth chart.
McKinstry nonetheless is appreciative of the opportunities he received and thanked Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, general manager Brandon Gomes, manager Dave Roberts, organization as a whole and fans in an Instagram post.
With the Cubs looking ahead to the 2023 season, McKinstry presumably will have a chance to play his way into their future plans. His ability to line up all over the field should ensure he receives more playing time in Chicago.
Over parts of three MLB seasons, McKinstry has batted .210/.266/.403 with 10 doubles, eight home runs and 31 RBI across 193 plate appearances (74 games).
Outman replaces McKinstry
In trading McKinstry to the Cubs, the Dodgers faced a need to replace him with a position player on their active roster. That created an opportunity for James Outman, who was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Saturday.
Outman then was in the Dodgers lineup for his MLB debut against the Colorado Rockies in the series finale at Coors Field.
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