The Los Angeles Dodgers are keeping two of their fringe players who were recently designated for assignment, Ben Rortvedt and Alek Thomas, after some other players got healthy.
Both Rortvedt and Thomas accepted their assignment down in the minor leagues rather than rejecting them after clearing waivers. They are reporting to Triple-A OKC, according to spokesperson Alex Freedman.
Why the Dodgers moved on from Ben Rortvedt
Rortvedt came to the Dodgers via trade from the minor leagues, serving as the backup catcher with the two top options, Will Smith and Dalton Rushing, on the injured list.
However, once Smith returned, the Dodgers opted to DFA Rortvedt, keeping the other catcher they added at the deadline, Hunter Feduccia.
Feduccia outplayed Rortvedt on the whole, hitting the ball much better (.185/.185/.185 from Rortvedt to .245/.333/.340).
Rortvedt has been the subject of so many roster moves over the last year, and through it all, he has been quite resolute.
Earning the nickname “Benny Biceps,” Rortvedt is a true fan favorite and highly regarded by the organization, and if there is an opportunity, the team will no doubt trust him to fill in.
Alek Thomas continues to develop with the Dodgers
Thomas hit .211/.250/.263 with the Dodgers for seven games and 20 plate appearances. He was called up to fill in for Andy Pages, who has been out with a hand injury.
It was a much better line than the .181/.222/.340 line that he had with the Arizona Diamondbacks in the big leagues before getting designated for assignment.
With the Dodgers in Triple-A, Thomas is hitting .294/.359/.517, and overall he seems to be thriving because of the change of scenery and coaching he’s gotten in LA.
He is a key organizational depth piece for the Dodgers to keep, given he was a former prospect.
