The Dodgers announced a series of roster moves, most notably the activation of star outfielder Mookie Betts from the 10-day injured list. Right-hander Yefry Ramirez also had his contract selected, with James Sherfy moved to the 60-day IL to open up a 40-man roster space. For the active roster, utilityman Zach McKinstry and right-hander Mitch White were optioned to Triple-A to open up two spots for Betts and Ramirez.
Betts returns after only a minimum 10-day stint on the IL, though he hasn’t appeared in a game since July 19 due to lingering inflammation in his right hip. The Dodgers held Betts out for several games to see if he could eventually return without the need of an IL visit, but it was ultimately decided to officially sideline Betts and give him time to recover.
According to manager Dave Roberts, Betts’ hip problem is one of a few minor injuries that have bothered the former AL MVP for most of the season. Betts’ numbers don’t have the look of a player limited by nagging injuries, as he has hit .270/.374/.502 with 14 home runs over 374 PA this season.
Interestingly, Betts will start at second base in today’s lineup, as part of the team’s plan to keep Betts fresh and healthy by reducing his time in the outfield. It seems likely that Betts will only play at the keystone every once in a while, though he might get more looks at the position until Trea Turner and Gavin Lux are both back from the injured list. Betts was originally drafted as a second baseman by the Red Sox, but was pretty quickly moved to the outfield, and has now won five consecutive Gold Gloves for his excellent defense on the grass.
Ramirez came to Los Angeles on a minor league contract in March, and the righty is looking to make his first MLB appearance since September 2019. Ramirez tossed 89 2/3 innings with the Orioles and Pirates in 2018-19, with a 6.32 ERA over his brief big league career. The 27-year-old signed a minors deal with the Mets in 2020 but didn’t get into any games with New York last year.
tstats
Will the dodgers have a forty man spot for Trea? Or is one already available
Dorothy_Mantooth
I believe they already created one for both Trea & Max prior to these moves.
Orel Saxhiser
The need to DFA one player for Turner and then another when Corey Knebel returns from the 60-day IL. The two will probably come from among Sheldon Neuse, Luke Raley, and Zack Reks. It’s possible they cut Billy McKinney though I’m hoping they find a way to keep him.
fox471 Dave
Really want to keep McKinney. He has just started to make contact. Although with negligible results thus far. He is, however, a wizard on defense.
amk1920
That pitcher they called up today is a lock to be DFA after one game. Just like Kickham.
BlueSkies_LA
With any luck Ramirez gets his DFA without throwing a pitch.
dball1
Reks is gone. Almost 28 and he can’t hit a lick. I think they will find a way to keep McKinney. Former first round pick. I agree the second DFA candidate is either Neuse or Raley. Both strike out almost every AB. The new pitcher; Ramirez also a DFA candidate; or Alexander again to 60 day
Cap & Crunch
Work on that D McKinstry –
They need to find a position he can play well rather than having him play 7 bad !
Mookies been hobbled all year, mad respect for keeping it on the hush…this is the reason LAD went Big on him imo, professionalism
C ya soon White
Orel Saxhiser
White finally looked comfortable yesterday. I was impressed; not gonna beat him up for the home run.
Cap & Crunch
Indeed correct …Im not a White fan but we gonna need the length now w Catman down
Orel Saxhiser
There are no major concerns with the Dodgers. Bellinger will snap out of it. Even if he doesn’t, this is the most talented roster in franchise history.
tstats
If he doesn’t you have both CT3 and Trea to man CF
Cap & Crunch
Cey I agree, Id even go farther and put them w those 60’s Yankees teams
I picked them to win 117 preseason ;(
Obv injs detoured that dream
They are a GREAT Baseball team but they haven’t played great baseball thru 103
1-10 extra inns something like .350 ball in 1 run games …….. They just haven’t even gotten up to 4th gear yet in the gearbox…I hope they do soon
Orel Saxhiser
It is difficult to repeat. After winning the first one, it’s hard to conjure up the same intensity. That’s not to say the players aren’t trying hard. It’s just a different kind of motivation. That’s why it’s a good idea to make a few roster moves after winning. That was probably part of the strategy of signing Bauer (and letting Pederson and Hernandez go). Unfortunately, that hasn’t worked as planned. Bringing in Scherzer and Turner will hopefully be different. A couple of ultra-competitive guys who have recently been there. I might be more excited about Trea than Max. A weakness of the Dodgers is team speed. Trea has a shot at leading the league in stolen bases. On a fastball-hitting team like the Dodgers, he should pay great dividends. It reminds me of Lopes in the ’70s. He could have stolen 90 bases a year if he wanted to, but his real value was being an SB threat. Lopes was a huge reason for Garvey and Cey’s success. Especially Garvey, who batted third and hardly ever walked.
opranger
Trae will be the everyday 2nd baseman and play short when Seager needs a day off! Trea only plays center if Belli is sent down, which most likely won’t happen!
Cap & Crunch
Im excited about Trea for your reasons as well but the biggest one is I think it helps us stay AWAY from the dreaded 10/300 to Seager…
It might get us some footing on Max next year as well if Bauer’s money happens to fall off making a natural fit (Speculative)
mlbdodgerfan2015
I hope Mookie at second base is not similar to Joc at first base exercise. Mookie is a better athlete and played second base before but not in a while.
mlbdodgerfan2015
Problem with the current extra inning format is that it doesn’t suit the Dodgers style. They’re more feast or famine type of offensive club. Big explosion on any given inning or game masks the lack of consistency. I think getting the key offensive pieces all together will lessen this but right now lots of unproductive outs with less than two outs and man on second. That puts a lot of pressure on pitchers to throw zeroes in extra inning with runner at second.
mlbdodgerfan2015
In what world will Bellinger get sent down? What is the alternative that is so much better in the minors? Has anyone ever thought of that before blindly saying send him down? Or is it just anger? Nobody plays CF better than Bellinger and that includes Mookie.
BlueSkies_LA
Any team with Betts, Taylor and Bellinger on it already does not lack for speed. What they lack is a willingness to call the running plays. So sure, T. Turner adds more legwork, but it won’t be of a lot of use without those plays coming from the bench.
junkmale
The fact Seager is going to get that lofty of a contract made me vomit in my mouth a little.
mlbdodgerfan2015
Agreed. McKinstry faded badly at the plate and together with shaky defense all year had to send him down. So many injuries with the pitching staff. Waiting for the day enough good pitchers are healthy and active so scrubs like these are not on the active roster.
Dorothy_Mantooth
Does Trevor Bauer still take up a spot on the 40-man or is he temporarily removed from it while on his ‘sabbatical’? This whole Bauer thing is going to be a disaster. Even if he ends up winning his court case, it’s apparent that the rest of his teammates don’t want him there and I’m sure the rest of the league feels the same way about him. So he’s most likely going to be forced to exercise his huge option for next season (as no other team will pay him) and he’s going to be a pariah in the clubhouse. If you’re a Dodgers fan, I guess you’re hoping he is found guilty and the Dodgers are able to void his contract. If not, it’s going to be an ugly situation in LA next season and maybe even 2023 as well.
Cap & Crunch
No; as fan of the human race I hope he gets his fair due process and chance to clear his name if innocent. If guilty then yea, it takes care of itself organically and he should face full punishment
My fellow Dodger players and fans should feel the same…..but it’s LA……and we work differently out here…..we all have glass houses don’t ya know! He’d be owed an apology if found innocent by his fellow teamates
Orel Saxhiser
He admitted to beating a woman. No one owes him anything. He is a grown man who could have declined to do that. Instead, he harmed another human being for the fun of him. As a fan of the human race, I believe he should never play Major League Baseball again. Being an MLB is a privilege, not a right.
Cap & Crunch
I disagree respectfully and will hold my full thoughts till after all the evidence/potential trial occurs as I dont pretend to know 10% of what really happened
Orel Saxhiser
A court trial doesn’t matter for MLB, just for Bauer personally. The Nationals have already announced that Starlin Castro won’t be welcomed back after his suspension is over. Employers can make those decisions. Which domestic abusers in MLB were found guilty in a court of law?
Cap & Crunch
Im talking innocent vs guilt, due process, and forgiving if innocent
Im NOT registering MLB’s stupid decisions in my mind sphere (like ever….on anything) , I know what they are capable of doing (and not doing *steroids) to protect the shield –
The Q was to Dodger fans tho, not what MLB spins the bottle and decides to do at a later date
Did I miss something? How does he get the domestic abuser label TODAY ? Idk; I don’t want to go down a deep hole but I don’t see how you label him that today under no certifiable pretenses …its strange to me, but maybe I’m just strange for 2021?
amk1920
Castro was an impending free agent on a cheaper deal. It’s easy to release the guy when you don’t have 2 more years tied to him. How about we let the process play put and see what happens. It’s not pit of the realm of possibility this is a shakedown.
fox471 Dave
I believe he admitted to engaging in rough sex, by mutual consent. I also believe that I read, initially, that both the participants engaged in said, “rough sex” more than once, again, by mutual consent. Hate to sound naive but I am not sure what rough sex consists of; but Cey Hey, you are, normally, one of the more logical posters on this website. Bit surprised at the rigidity of your replies. Bauer is entitled to due process not the ruination of his career, particularly if he is found innocent.
Ducky Buckin Fent
@Cap
“How does he get the domestic abuser label TODAY?”
Consider the source. He is the one poster on the board I would love to take on a hunting trip.
Cap & Crunch
Fent- I find Cey to be more interesting/intellectual than 99% of the posters on here but I disagree on this issue here w him quite a bit-
No Biggy, I value his keystrokes, but I did feel it was a little dangerous speech so I jumped in/ prolonged the convo –
This issue is Bigger than baseball imo, baseball really has little to do with it – Not usually my cup of tea for posting but this one’s too close to home for me to sit out.
Strange times we are in, not insulting anyone, just some of these things catch me off guard….maybe its me? Idk….. but something feels a click off with how fast things have seemingly changed
Ducky Buckin Fent
I think he is the most destructive poster in our community, such as it is.
Look. Every time there is a thread which has the comments swept clean, he & his horrible, unfounded accusations are at the heart of it. Every time!
The mute button (which I will never use on principle) was essentially activated for him. Banning him would be the single most beneficial action here towards establishing peace on the board.
Bet.
Cap & Crunch
I hear ya,
I only go in threads that interest me now. Find I get myself in trouble when I enter a topic I really have no interest/desire/great thoughts about pre-hand
Those ones w hundreds of posts that spiral into non -baseball related topics just are not for me –
I’ve got a couple people I can’t stand around here but that’s mainly b/c I see them constantly berating others and being somewhat of a bully
I’ve had no problems w Cey tho , we disagree and cross paths on Dodger threads a lot but it’s been mostly on the up and up
This place has grown a ton just in the last 3 years . Like everything in life its brought some good and some bad as well
BlueSkies_LA
Unless he is being tried, he doesn’t get “due process,” and no verdict will be handed down. The process he gets is the one described in the joint policy. That’s how it works, everywhere (including LA). But this still needs to be explained, over and over, because hardly anyone gets it even though we’ve seen this come down maybe fifteen times already. Go figure.
Cap & Crunch
Q is about how do Dodger fans feel about him sticking around if/ when allowed by MLB (Or an outright cut)
Due process is probably the wrong wording, lets call it get the whole story and then make the call –
Indeed LA is King of cancel culture, its not even close. People are writing him off with knowing 5% of the story (teamates inc) , it feels odd to say the least and somewhat backwards
Nobodies questioning MLB Joint policy, hell it’s just a loosely made up thing and they make it up as they go newayz –
Im not saying Bauer is innocent but I find it odd so many are prepared to blast him into the moon today
BlueSkies_LA
Every time this subject comes up, a bunch of posters turn into junior Perry Masons, talking rules of evidence, guilt, innocence, due process, etc. I’ve been saying from the start, none of this matters. Just read the policy. Read it, and then, just based on what we know now, tell me if you think he did or didn’t violate the terms, and why. Then we have something real to discuss. Nobody has taken me up on it yet.
amk1920
Are the Dodgers going to eat Bauer’s contract then? If he isn’t charged criminally then what happens after a MLB suspension? The people saying Bauer will never throw a pitch again are beyond premature. We don’t know what is going to happen.
Cap & Crunch
Perry Mason?
Hmm, for wanting to know more before canceling and making a hasty judgement ….I dont follow that, seems a stretch, and again very backwards
MLB Joint Policy, cmon its fairytale literature, they make a call case by case. I wouldn’t bother indoctrinate myself with it and wouldn’t trust MLB if it was written in blood as well
I don’t get your stance on the issue…Do you care if he’s innocent or guilty?
If not, a lot of people do, and it’s bigger than baseball in some ways, and some of us don’t like the slippery slope these things can invoke on everyday society. It’s not some hyperbolic Perry Mason thing, if anything, saying it is, is the hyperbole Imo
Just think what if he was innocent? Doesn’t that at least cross your mind?
BlueSkies_LA
Yeah, Perry Mason. You know, the fictional defense attorney? An awful lot of people seem to want to be him, even if his services aren’t actually required here. Including you, it seems.
I suppose you’ll never “get” my stance because it’s based on the controlling document in this situation that you totally refuse to read. I suppose becoming informed about the subject you are going on about never crossed your mind. You know what that’s called, right?
Cap & Crunch
That’s the thing, its NOT the subject…only you made it the subject…. and continue to do so
This is how the original convo started from Dorthy
” If you’re a Dodgers fan, I guess you’re hoping he is found guilty and the Dodgers are able to void his contract. If not, it’s going to be an ugly situation in LA next season and maybe even 2023 as well.”
And you keep going on about Joint policy????
So again do you care about if he’s guilty or not? You seem binded to an arbitrary piece of paper that’s purely subjective upon it’s usage rather than actually wanting to critically process the actual event at hand or even assume a world in which he’s innocent.
Cap & Crunch
My original response in case you cant find it Perry Mason style
Cap & Crunch15 hours ago
No; as fan of the human race I hope he gets his fair due process and chance to clear his name if innocent. If guilty then yea, it takes care of itself organically and he should face full punishment
So yea I guess we are just on different pages here
BlueSkies_LA
So the policy jointly drafted and adopted by the owners and players is “arbitrary,” according to you? Such an arbitrary opinion, especially when you completely refuse to even read it, let alone, understand it. Well, prepare yourself for a shock when the commissioner rules on a suspension based on the policy, and not “guilt” or “innocence,” in exactly the same way as all of the suspensions have been handed down in every case under the policy for years now. You are simply a disbeliever in any reality that doesn’t suit your opinions. There’s a lot of it going around these days.
Yes, we are on different pages. I’m on the right one, you’re on the wrong one.
Cap & Crunch
Ok Tin man –
I guess you wont answer my Q if you care about if he is innocent
and again this is the original Q-”
If you’re a Dodgers fan, I guess you’re hoping he is found guilty and the Dodgers are able to void his contract. If not, it’s going to be an ugly situation in LA next season and maybe even 2023 as well.”
You like to move goalposts don’t ya ! Im done with this good day sir
BlueSkies_LA
Because the question isn’t relevant, and if you could comprehend the first thing about this, you would not be making your completely pointless arguments or demanding answers to your pointless questions. At least you have decided to stop wasting my time. I was done with that already.
Orel Saxhiser
Bauer is not on the 40-man roster. Guilty or not in court, MLB can discipline a player for violating the Domestic Abuse Policy. Employees are fired for that all the time. As a Dodger fan, I’m not worried. At the very least, Bauer will get a lengthy suspension that will preclude him from exercising his option. He is coming off the payroll.
tstats
I’ve mentioned this before but would you as a fellow dodger fan be willing to take the PR hit if he is found innocent and signing him to a contract that each yeah has a club option because he knows he won’t get another deal anywhere else? Like 5/40 type of deal where he is cheap and expendable with yearly club options for 8 mill?
Orel Saxhiser
Again, guilty or innocent in a court of law doesn’t matter. MLB and the Dodgers can discipline any employee for violating the terms of their contract. We have seen it over and over. Not just with domestic violence, but with PED suspensions. If you sign on to work for someone, play by the rules of your contract.
Cap & Crunch
Again the Q is about Pr hit moving forward – He’s not going to be suspended for the next 2.5 years in most likelihood
Everybody knows MLB can do whatever they want or don’t want to do w no rhyme or reason at the drop of a hat
Your not shinning any new light here, nobodies confused on that
@Tstats- I think LA media makes it tough (er) even if he’s somewhat cleared. If you live out here ya know why
tstats
LA media is the worst, I assume YALL read Platchkey on dropping him utterly?
Cap & Crunch
They all basically fit the same mold Tstats and just build more crazy off each other day to day
BlueSkies_LA
Generally right, but one point of order: the Dodgers cannot discipline a player subject to the joint policy. The penalty for a violation of the policy can only be handed down by the commissioner’s office.
fox471 Dave
We do not know if he violated the Domestic Abuse Policy. If it is adjudged that he did violate the policy, throw the book at him.
BlueSkies_LA
If you read the plain language of the domestic violence policy you won’t be wondering about whether he violated it.
A'sfaninUK
He will be playing in Mexico with Addison Russell and Yasiel Puig.
jessaumodesto
He’s in the Dodgers!!!??? Man they got everybody!
amjr
Send Bellinger down already!!!
mlbdodgerfan2015
Wrong. Bellinger’s CF defense alone is worth it. You’d rather have a guy like Neuse or Raley or Recks take up a spot? Heck no.
amjr
I’m not saying that. Like those you mention are their only options.
mlbdodgerfan2015
Ok. Who are you going to bring up then? Another scrub minor leaguer? Some fans are just plain stupid. Taylor can’t play CF defense like Bellinger. Pollock? Ha. Betts is close but then you gotta plug someone else at RF. I’d take my chances with Bellinger’s elite glove and bounce back with the bat. But then again maybe you’re more knowledgeable than Andrew Friedman.
empirejim
This team is about to get really scary. Betts, Turner, Turner, Seager, Muncy, Taylor, Pollock, Smith….. Absolutely NO EASY OUTS
Orel Saxhiser
Pujols contributing as well. He and Muncy seem to have become best buds. Muncy has become more of a complete since Pujols came on board. I doubt it’s just a coincidence.
I’m thrilled about the year Pollock is having. Vilified for no reason by clueless fans. Golden boys Bellinger and Seager did zilch in that Washington series, yet for some reason, fans chose Pollock to be the bad guy. Signing Pollock has turned out to be a good decision. Consummate professional.
mlbdodgerfan2015
To be fair Pollock was absolutely lost at the plate in that series. Yes, pleasantly surprised that he’s performed well in 2020/2021 but he still looks shaky on defense. Hoping he’ll continue to put together good ABs.
Cap & Crunch
Pollocks contract has been bad till this year but he’s locked in currently, probably more than anyone outside Taylor-
It’s all about that front shoulder w Pollock. When he keeps it in (engaged) long he’s got incredible power/force – He’s no prime Albert or Miggy but when he keeps that shoulder back long the force he creates is reminiscent . Not many RH hitters keep that shoulder engaged they tend to use hips/butt as more of a driver, still effective but not 100% optimal. Pollock does have that rare, unteachable tool at the plate I will say
Agree on D 2015 – He plays Really really smart tho, good reads good angles but boy does he need it as the speed/athleticism has ben zapped and the body looks ollllllddddddd…..I never wanna see him dive for a ball NEVER NEVER NEVER and I think thats says (a lil) something
differentbears
Pollock’s contract wasn’t just finally good this year, he was great last year as well. He had a 130 OPS+ in 2020.
fox471 Dave
Now, you are back. Always been a fan of Pollock. Totally professional.
tstats
Bellinger is an easy out
A'sfaninUK
Yeah, for NOW. He still is an elite hitter and NOT an easy out.
tstats
No he really isn’t. 2017/2019 were flukes it seems. I love his defense and all but he has one swing and it’s for the fences but has holes really everywhere in the swing
differentbears
This is the only bad season (so far) for Cody Bellinger, and injuries have mostly wrecked it. If 2017 and 2019 were flukes, then he’s merely a 15-20% better hitter by OPS than league average, who just happens to have elite base-running and all-world defense in CF. His 2018 and 2020 seasons obviously weren’t as good as his two best years at the plate, but both were better than league average in OPS.
halloffamernobodycares
the fact you left a former MVP out of that list makes it even more scary, problems or not at the plate for Bellinger.
A'sfaninUK
Read that fast and thought there was a player named Yefry Sherfy
ElysianPark
Lol
Datashark
I like McKinstry but he was in a funk and needed to be optioned as this point. I hope he can fix what is broken or he will sit down there for the remainder.
ElysianPark
I agree. McKinstry killed a rally in the 8th on Tuesday in Frisco by swinging at a ball a foot outside and low. Taylor then doubled, with Raley having singled to lead off before McKinstry.
The Blue failed to score, and then the Giants forged ahead to win. They should have scored at least two runs in that top of the inning.
That game was very winnable and the loss meant two games in the standings.
MafiaBass
Keep him fresh by putting him at 2B? I don’t understand that logic.
DarkSide830
less running probably
BasedBall
Arizona has turf I think
larry48
Yes, they have bad turf.
Mike_99
He left off right before he went on the IL. Look for the Dodgers to start rolling.
dodger1958
There is a chance that the Dodgers could void the contract with Bauer. Paragraph 7(b)1 of the uniform player’s contract, states that a contract can be voided if a player “shall fail, refuse, or neglect to conform his personal conduct to the standards of good citizenship and good sportsmanship or keep himself in first-class physical condition.”
Paragraph 3 (a), furthermore, states that “The player agrees to perform his services hereunder diligently and faithfully, to keep himself in first-class physical condition and to obey the club’s training rules, and pledges himself to the American public and to the club to conform to high standards of personal conduct, fair play and good sportsmanship.”