Dodgers trade for Rosario -- for 2nd consecutive year
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SAN DIEGO -- The Dodgers started to approach Tuesday’s Trade Deadline trying to add impact players on both sides of the ball.
With asking prices around the league still at uncomfortable levels for the organization, the front office pivoted into adding depth pieces that could start to fill some of the holes left behind by injuries and inconsistencies.
After acquiring Tommy Edman and Michael Kopech in a three-team deal with the Cardinals and White Sox Monday morning, the Dodgers also swung a trade with the Rays to acquire infielder Amed Rosario for Triple-A right-hander Michael Flynn.
In order to make room for Rosario on the 40-man roster, the Dodgers designated left-hander Ryan Yarbrough for assignment.
TRADE DETAILS
Dodgers receive: INF Amed Rosario
Rays receive: Triple-A RHP Michael Flynn
Rosario is having a solid season at the plate, hitting .307 with two homers, 17 doubles and a .748 OPS in 264 at-bats. The 28-year-old Dominican has always had success against left-handed pitching in his career, and that has been no different this season with a .789 OPS against southpaws.
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Getting opportunities in the infield against lefties is where Rosario fits on the Dodgers’ roster. With Miguel Rojas, Mookie Betts and Max Muncy all out for at least a couple more weeks with their respective injuries, the Dodgers were looking for additional infield depth.
Edman, whom they acquired from the Cardinals, will get the majority of his playing time in center field but can also fill in at shortstop, second base and third base. Against lefties, Rosario can also play both middle infield spots, and he spent some time playing right field with the Rays this season.
Rosario is familiar with Dodger Stadium, as well. He was acquired by the Dodgers in a trade with Cleveland on July 26, 2023, posting a .709 OPS and three homers in 48 games before being left off the Dodgers’ National League Division Series roster.
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While adding Rosario gives the Dodgers depth on the position-player side, the surprising decision to designate Yarbrough for assignment leaves Los Angeles without a long arm in the bullpen.
The veteran left-hander posted a 3.74 ERA over 67 1/3 innings this season, but had some recent struggles over the last couple of weeks, largely in part to a heavy workload.
The Dodgers have until Tuesday's 3. p.m. Deadline to work out a trade for Yarbrough.