The Los Angeles Dodgers have recently added first baseman Luken Baker from the St. Louis Cardinals after claiming him off waivers, as reflected in the team’s transaction log. In a move to accommodate him on the 40-man roster, the Dodgers designated right-handed pitcher Jack Little for assignment.
Baker, 28, has had a challenging season, batting .235 with an OPS of .689 across 19 appearances for the Cardinals. His performance in Triple-A has also been underwhelming, with a .196 average over 62 games, though he recorded a more impressive .231/.345/.535 line last season, culminating in 32 home runs and 67 RBIs in 109 Minor League games.
The Dodgers’ acquisition of Baker is seen as a strategic decision to bolster their roster depth, especially as a contingency plan for any potential injuries to key players, like first baseman Freddie Freeman. Although Baker has limited experience with just 73 career MLB games, he aims to showcase his skills and secure more playing time in Los Angeles.
In contrast, Jack Little has had a brief stint in the majors, finishing with two earned runs allowed across three innings pitched. In the minors, he has compiled a 4.64 ERA over 42.2 innings. Despite showing promise last season with a solid 2.18 ERA in Double-A, Little’s performance has not met expectations this year, which influenced the decision to move him off the roster.
This roster change presents an opportunity for Baker to make his mark with the Dodgers and potentially elevate his career, while the organization assesses its pitching depth with Little’s reassignment.
Fans can look forward to seeing how Baker integrates into the team and whether he can contribute positively going forward. The Dodgers continue to strive for excellence, making moves that indicate their commitment to building a robust and competitive roster.