Dodgers Make Surprising Roster Move, Designate James Paxton For Assignment
Los Angeles Dodgers left-handed pitcher James Paxton has been designated for assignment. Robert Murray, an MLB insider of FanSided, was the first to announce the news.
Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic added that the Dodgers made this move to clear a 40-man roster spot to active pitcher River Ryan, who will make his debut today against the San Francisco Giants.
Paxton made his last appearance with the Dodgers on Sunday against the Boston Red Sox, where he got the start. The Dodgers were almost unbeatable with him on the mound, going 14-4 as Paxton recorded an 8-2 record himself in L.A.
The 35-year-old signed with the Dodgers on a one-year deal that paid him a $3 million signing bonus, a $4 million salary, and a $2 million roster bonus for making the Opening Day squad. He also received a series of $600K and $1MM bonuses that unlock periodically based on the number of games started.
This move comes out of left field; however, L.A. had their hands tied. The Dodgers are expected to activate Tyler Glasnow and Clayton Kershaw from the IL this week, leaving no room for Paxton.
Paxton has been solid and surprisingly healthy for the Dodgers, who have suffered an immense number of injuries thus far. Many believed Paxton would have faced injuries due to his history; however, he’s been one of the healthier pitchers in the rotation.
In 18 games for the Dodgers, he recorded a 4.43 ERA, 64 strikeouts, and a 1.46 WHIP in 89.1 innings.
If the Dodgers aren’t able to move Paxton via trade or waivers, he is expected to elect free agency and sign on with another team for a low price.
Photo Credit: Jonathan Hui-USA TODAY Sports
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??????? What? Is this a joke? He’s one of your better starters right now. DFA Martinez instead. You need all of your healthy starters….you don’t know when the next one goes down. Doesn’t make any sense. I hope a good reason comes out of this.
We have other pitchers we could’ve designated first like Banda and Ramirez. I thought Paxton looked better than most of our starters not name Stone
This is a head scratcher. I thought Biggio would be the first to go. Something big could be brewing.