The Dodgers Bring Up Tim Locastro and Recall Yimi Garcia

It looks as though the Dodgers are indeed looking internally for options to replace Corey Seager. Tim Locastro was spotted in the Dodgers’ clubhouse in Arizona today, and all whispers of a Manny Machado trade got a little less audible. We’ll have to see what plays out first though.

The #Dodgers recalled RHP Yimi García and infielder/outfielder Tim Locastro from Triple-A Oklahoma City, while optioning infielder/outfielder Breyvic Valera to OKC and placing left-handed pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu on the 10-day disabled.

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— AlaNNa Rizzo (@alannarizzo) May 3, 2018

Breyvic Valera was brought up almost immediately after Corey Seager’s injury as a backup. That experiment looks to be changing now as the team has opted to bring up Locastro today in exchange for Valera. Locastro has hit exceptionally well at the minor league level in 2018, already 21 games into the season at AAA Oklahoma.

Locastro has hit 342 with a home run and six runs batted in, and he has already stolen five bases. To give you some reference, the Dodgers have played thirty games this season and Yasiel Puig leads the team with four stolen bases. Locastro offers one heck of an upgrade in terms of speed, and he presents an intriguing leadoff option.

Chris Taylor has occupied the leadoff spot for the majority of this season and in 2017. He did a fantastic job last year but has had a tough start to 2018. He is currently hitting 238 and is striking out a ton, leading the team with 34. His on-base percentage has also dwindled to just 281, which is not great for a leadoff guy. Locastro’s OBP is sitting around 448 right now, which is more than ideal for the first hitter.

Yimi Garcia is going to be a much-needed relief for..well, the relievers. After pitching in 7.2 innings of last night’s game, the bullpen is certain to be taxed over these next couple of games. Garcia has gotten touched up a bit at the minor league level this year, but his control is much better. In eight relief appearances, he is yet to allow a walk.

Garcia is also striking out hitters at a decent rate. He has seven strikeouts in 7.2 innings pitched. Garcia is making his return from Tommy Joh surgery, and this will be his first major league experience since 2016. Garcia has a career 3.12 earned run average, almost entirely as a relief pitcher. Overall, he has tossed 75 innings in his young career. Hyun-jin Ryu was placed on the 10-day disabled list as a result, one day after he exited his start early.

Analysis

Getting a young guy into a struggling lineup is always intriguing. We experienced that last year with Cody Bellinger and a little bit this year with Alex Verdugo. It will be interesting to see what sort of catalyst Tim Locastro can be for Los Angeles.