Dodgers News: LA Reportedly Calling Up Jonny DeLuca to Replace Injured Trayce Thompson
The Los Angeles Dodgers were dealt some unfortunate news on Saturday, when OF Trayce Thompson left the loss to the New York Yankees with an oblique injury. After the game, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed that Thompson would be heading to the injured list, with what the team was calling a strained oblique.
With the unfortunate injury news, the Dodgers also knew they would have to fill a spot on the active roster ahead of Sunday’s series finale against the Yankees. While the choice was likely to come down to two players — Michael Busch and Jonny DeLuca — The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya said a source told him that DeLuca would in fact be getting the call up to replace Thompson.
Dodgers are calling up outfield prospect Jonny DeLuca, sources tell The Athletic.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) June 4, 2023
The Agoura Hills native is expected to take Trayce Thompson’s spot with Thompson going on the IL with a strained oblique.
This news is very exciting for DeLuca, who began the year in Double-A but played his way up to Triple-A.
Across the minor leagues this season, DeLuca has raked, slashing .292/.378/.574 with 14 home runs, 11 doubles, 37 runs batted in, 12 stolen bases and an impressive OPS of .952.
DeLuca can play all three outfield positions, and is a right-hander, so he could earn himself some playing time when the team is facing a lefty. The Dodgers were hoping Thompson would be that lefty killer this season, but his reverse splits from last year carried over.
If DeLuca is able to hit lefties well, he could earn himself a very long stay in the big leagues.
You never want to see an injury of any kind, so we wish the best to Thompson in his recovery.
But the Dodgers will need a next man up mentality, and DeLuca is about to get an opportunity he’ll hopefully take full advantage of.
Congrats to DeLuca on his upcoming call-up to the big leagues!
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