Dodgers Create Open Roster Spot Ahead of Big Series Against MLB-Best Rays
The Los Angeles Dodgers may have been off on Thursday, but that didn't mean they remained quiet. On Thursday, the Dodgers made two roster moves — per the team's transaction log — flying under the radar ahead of Friday's series opener against the best team in the MLB, the Tampa Bay Rays.
One of the moves didn't affect the active roster, as RHP Wander Suero — who was designated for assignment earlier this week — cleared waivers, and was sent outright to Triple-A. That means no one decided to take a chance on him, and he can come right back to the Dodgers organization.
However, one move did affect the active roster. Tayler Scott, a journeyman pitcher who the team recalled from Triple-A earlier this week, was optioned back to Triple-A. Scott came up as insurance during the grueling stretch of baseball for the Dodgers, but never ended up getting into a game.
With Scott back in Oklahoma City, though, the Dodgers now have an open spot on the active roster ahead of Friday's series opener against the Rays.
The assumption is that Clayton Kershaw — who's currently on the bereavement list following the passing of his mother — will be taking that spot. However, he isn't scheduled to pitch until Saturday, so maybe the Dodgers will have some fun with that spot following the day off.
The most likely scenario is Kershaw returning, though, which is great news for the Dodgers. Kershaw has struggled over his last two starts, but you can't blame him considering what he's been dealing with and pitching through.
We wish Kershaw the best during this difficult time, and are very excited for him to rejoin the team, if that's what this roster move is, in fact, alluding to.
As for the moves, Suero and Scott will now be right back in Triple-A, hoping to work back up to a call-up at some point this season. Scott is still on the 40-man roster, so he probably has a better chance of coming up for now if the Dodgers needed some additional depth.
