Alex Verdugo Optioned to AAA and Other Dodgers Moves

The Dodgers made quite a few roster moves on Wednesday. The biggest of which, might have been the demotion that came along with the movement.

Whole bunch of roster moves for the Dodgers. Tony Cingrani to the DL with left shoulder inflammation. Scott Alexander & Brock Stewart recalled. Yimi Garcia and Alex Verdugo optioned

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— Eric Stephen (@ericstephen) May 9, 2018

Biggest Move

With the return of Yasiel Puig, we knew there would be an odd-man out. Not coming as much of a surprise, Alex Verdugo will be sent down to AAA. With a plethora of outfielders at the moment, there isn’t a lot of space for the rookie. His role would be suited much better in the minors, where he can pick up more at-bats. Though brief, Verdugo took advantage of his time here. During his nine games, the 22-year old hit .265 and had nine hits. During his first week here, he was L.A.’s hottest hitter, collecting hits in five of his first six games. Sadly, his bat did cool off, going 1-for-13 over the last three games.

Other Moves

Yimi Garcia is the other player being sent down. Having only pitched in four games, Garcia is 0-1 with an ERA of 8.10. Most notably, he appeared in the Dodgers’ combined no-hitter last week. That ERA is largely due to his outing versus Arizona, in which he allowed a three-run home run in extra innings.

Scott Alexander makes his return to the club. He was optioned to AAA on April 29. On the year, Alexander is 1-0 with a 6.35 ERA.

Lastly, the ball club added Brock Stewart. At this point, Stewart should just have a suitcase packed and ready to go. This is already the third time the Dodgers have recalled him this season. More recently, he was recalled during the weekend series in Mexico. On the year, Stewart has an ERA of 3.38, with three strikeouts in 2.2 innings.

Tony Cingrani was placed on the 10-day DL with left shoulder inflammation.

Analysis

These were a lot of moves to take in at once. Every night it appears the Dodgers are throwing out a new roster. Hopefully, Puig can stay healthy and return to his 2017 form. Alexander and Stewart should be vital pieces coming out of that bullpen, something L.A. is desperately counting on. Currently five games under .500, the Dodgers need some sort of spark to help rejuvenate this team. We’ll see if one of these players can step up, and help the Dodgers win some ballgames!