Dodgers: Yoshi Tsutsugo ‘Disappointed’ by Injured List Stint
When the Dodgers looked for a spot on the active roster for the return of pitcher Tony Gonsolin, the numbers said they didn’t need to look far. In 25 at-bats with LA, utility man Yoshi Tsutsugo was batting .120 with 12 strikeouts.
It made sense at the time when the Dodgers picked him up from the Rays. The club was besieged by injuries and needed some warm bodies to help pick up production lacking from guys like DJ Peters and Sheldon Neuse. But sadly, Yoshi still hasn’t regained the stroke he featured in Japan’s professional league that made him an All-Star caliber player.
Understandably, he hadn’t really had time to in only 25 at-bats.
On Wednesday, the Dodgers placed Tsutsugo on the injured list as they activated Gonsolin and Dave Roberts said the conversation with Yoshi-san wasn’t an easy one.
I know he was disappointed. I did send the message to him that it could be an opportunity for him.
Related: Roberts Feels There’s a Lot of Upside in Yoshi Tsutsugo Following Trade
Officially, he hit the IL with a right calf strain. Unofficially, it was an opportunity to try and get him right.
I do think he needs regular at-bats. With our roster, trying to get our hitting coaches dialed in with his swing and the right verbiage, to get on the same page, to get him consistent at-bats, is hard. This could be a positive in the sense that it gives us an opportunity to get him on rehab, once he can go, and get him regular at-bats.
The 29-year-old will likely continue to work with the LA coaching staff before eventually heading out on a minor league rehab assignment. But as the Dodgers continue to get healthy and roster spots come at a premium, it may be harder for Yoshi to crack the active roster once again.
Roberts expects Tsutsugo to begin a rehab stint after four or five days.
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Well, I’m disappointed in Tsutsugo’s offensive offense.
Sums it up quite well. I simply hope Dodgers will get back to 13 position players as opposed to only 12. Right not it does make later inning moves more of a challenge when Roberts appears forced to use up that short bench in later innings.
He’s disappointed with the move. He should be thanking the Dodgers for this opportunity to get his swing back out of the spotlight. However I am not optimistic he gets back and holds a place on the 26 man roster. The team is loaded with no spot for him once Seager comes back. Come back rakin and they’ll find a spot for you!
Permanent rehab until he’s killing it in the minor leagues.
I agree w the other posts. But I also think he’s upset because he’s not really hurt. They would be more honest tl tell him he has 2 choices, get released or agree to this fake injury.
Ya know, he’s needed a minor league stint since we picked him up. Should have gone down weeks ago to work on what our hitting coaches think the fix is.
He’s proven since he came to the states he’s not able to duplicate what he did in Japan. He’s had ample opportunities with the Rays. I’d rather see the Dodgers gamble with a right handed hitter. We are way lefty loaded as it is. Wouldn’t be difficult to match his accomplishments.