Editorials

Dodgers Designate Mat Latos For Assignment, Reinstate Carlos Frias From DL

Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Two days after he allowed the decided home run in the 16th inning, the Los Angeles Dodgers designated Mat Latos for assignment, likely bringing his brief tenure in Los Angeles to an end. In a corresponding move to make use of the vacated roster spot, Carlos Frias was activated from the 60-day disabled list.

Rather than gutting their farm system to acquire a Cole Hamels or David Price at the trade deadline, the Dodgers used their financial power, Hector Olivera’s allure, and other prospects to address their rotation needs by acquiring Latos and Alex Wood, plus more, in trades with the Miami Marlins and Atlanta Braves.

Coincidentally, the Dodgers’ financial resources and willingness to cut ties with players who are not meeting expectations presumably played a role in Thursday’s decision. Latos started six games for the Dodgers, going 0-3 with a 6.66 ERA and 1.52 WHIP.

The right-hander’s best outing was his Dodger debut against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim when he allowed just one run and scattered four hits over six innings of a no-decision. From that point forward it was largely downhill for the 27-year-old, who is in a contract year.

Latos was bumped out of the rotation during the Dodgers’ 10-game road trip that began in mid-August, though didn’t appear out of the bullpen. He returned to the mound Aug. 29, going a span of 16 days between starts — something he voiced his displeasure over.

Latos’ second outing after moving back into the rotation was met with controversy as he expressed frustration with being removed after only four innings against the San Diego Padres. Latos was recently placed in the bullpen for a second time this season.

Frias returning doesn’t come as much of a surprise given Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said earlier in the week his return was simply predicated on opening a spot on the 40-man roster and not health concerns. The 25-year-old Frias last pitched for the Dodgers June 30, and is 5-5 with a 4.39 ERA and 1.55 WHIP.

Lower back tightness resulted in the right-hander getting placed on the 15-day DL in July, and Frias went on to spend time with Triple-A Oklahoma City, though also suffering a setback during his rehab. Frias threw a combined 8.2 innings over five games (one start) with OKC.

With Frias being reinstated, the Dodgers’ active roster remains at 35 players.

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Staff Writer

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One Comment

  1. He was transferred to the 60-day DL on Aug. 14 to make room on the 40-man roster but has struggled in Los Angeles, going 0–3 in five starts with a 6.66 ERA. He had recently been demoted to a bullpen role.

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