Spring Training News: Dodgers Option Four, Reassign 16 Players
Spring Training is a time for many players to strut their stuff. Among the big league vets are the young cadre of prospects in our farm system. Alas, not all players who make strong impressions will reach the final 25-man roster. Such is the way of life in baseball’s Spring Training. With the conclusion of Saturday night’s game, the Dodgers formally announced their first roster cuts. Four players have been optioned, while 16 more have been reassigned from big league camp
The Dodgers Option Four Players
The four players who have been optioned are Henry Owens, Dennis Santana, Brock Stewart, and Tim Locastro. Of these four, Santana and Locastro are not really surprises to anyone. Unfortunately, both players are further down on the depth chart. With both players having no clear path, their best bet for regular playing time are reps at AAA. Henry Owens also has an option and with continued control struggles, he needs time in the Minors to refine said control. Last we have Brock Stewart, who was one of many players vying for one of the final bullpen spots. Unfortunately for him, the Dodgers already have Ross Stripling in that long-relief role. Unless the Dodgers want to carry two long-relievers, he has no spot in that Opening Day bullpen.
The Dodgers Reassign 16 Players
When players are reassigned, usually that means they are not leaving Spring Training or being “optioned”. These players are not on the 40-man roster and thus are “non-roster invitees”. Here are the 16 non-roster invitees moving to Minor League Camp per Alanna Rizzo:
Dodgers reassigned C Keibert Ruiz, C Zarraga, INF Beaty, INF Drew Jackson, INF Edwin Rios, OF Yusniel Diaz, OF DJ Peters, OF Henry Ramos, OF Travis Taijeron, RHP Zach Neal, RHP Yaisel Sierra, RHP Broussard, RHP Corcino, RHP Lee, LHP Brian Moran & RHP Brian Schlitter to milb camp.
— AlaNNa Rizzo (@alannarizzo) March 11, 2018
Most of these players are Minor League depth talent to begin with. However, a few names do stand out. Certainly, the talents of Ruiz, Peters, and Rios will no longer be on display. All three of those players have been playing quite exceptionally this spring. Definitely making strong impressions is what a non-roster invitee wants to do. Especially when you are a top prospect in the system. These three certainly have done just that. Matt Beaty is another player that, while not a top prospect has made a strong impression as well this camp. His versatility was on display for all, and he hit well to boot.
DJ Peters showing off his big power in #SpringTraining today ?
The only player on the @Dodgers' Top 30 list with 60-grade power: https://t.co/AnIkFLtPPp pic.twitter.com/6EWyBeZm3H— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) March 3, 2018
Despite these players’ time being done at the Major League camp, they will continue to get reps at Minor League camp. So if you happen to still be hanging around Camelback Ranch and are wondering where your favorite prospects are, be sure to double check Minor League camp for them!
