Dodgers News: Liberatore Called Up To The Bigs
Just yesterday, it was floated out there that the Los Angeles Dodgers might be considering bringing up someone from the minors in order to help for a little while. I surmised that left-hander Adam Liberatore would be someone that would make a whole lot of sense for the team, and they called him up today.
The reason, however, wasn’t because of anything other than right-hander Chris Hatcher being placed on the Paternity List, as his wife just gave birth to a baby boy. The baby is healthy, so that’s fantastic news. Because of Hatcher going on leave, the Dodgers were forced to make a corresponding move.
From the official Los Angeles Dodgers twitter account:
#Dodgers have recalled LHP @adamlib21 and placed RHP @handlebars41 on the paternity list.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) April 14, 2016
In four innings at Triple-A this season, Liberatore ended up fanning eight batters while walking just two and giving up zero hits. In other words, think of him as the relief pitcher version of Ross Stripling! But in all seriousness, this was probably a move that was going to be made soon anyways considering the bullpen’s ineptitude lately.
A player’s stay on the Paternity List lasts for a minimum of one day and a maximum of three days, so someone will have to be sent down when Hatcher is able to come back no later than Sunday. That probably means Liberatore is only up here for a cup of coffee, but he can help the team right away.
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What a blessing in disguise. Here’s an opportunity to give someone else a shot at setup man without having to demote anyone. Liboratore has a shot at proving he belongs in the big leagues while giving Hatcher some time off to regroup. This is a good for the Dodgers and it will be nice to have another lefty in the bullpen. I hope Hatcher comes back focused and get back to last years second half form.
I think Liberatore is going to get a full shot to prove he belongs. Hatcher will take the full three days, and Liberatore will get in at least one game, and maybe two. If he performs well, it will not be Liberatore that will be sent down. The Dodgers need a 2nd LHRP anyway, so if he does well, it will probably be Baez. The message has been sent. This is MLB, and if you do not perform, someone else will be there to take your place.