Dodgers Have Reportedly Made Their Decision on Who Will Replace Injured Trayce Thompson on Roster
Dodgers outfielder Trayce Thompson left Saturday's loss to the Yankees early with what the team later called a strained oblique. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed Thompson would be heading to the injured list, meaning the team needed to replace his spot on the roster ahead of Sunday's series finale against New York.
The decision was likely to come down to two players who have been playing well in Triple-A, infielder Michael Busch and outfielder Jonny DeLuca. Busch has already had some big league experience this season, while DeLuca is a right-handed bat, and has been raking in the minor leagues all year.
While no move has officially been made yet, sources told The Athletic's Fabian Ardaya that the Dodgers have made their decision, and it is in fact DeLuca who will be getting the call up.
If you don't want to trust those sources, Jack Harris of the LA Times had sources confirm it, too.
This is very exciting news for DeLuca, who began the year at Double-A. He quickly rose up to Triple-A, and after just 17 games there, will now be heading to the big leagues.
DeLuca is a Los Angeles native, born in Thousand Oaks, CA. He went to Agoura High School, and was drafted by the Dodgers in the 19th round of the 2019 draft.
He played well his first few years in the minor leagues, but took a leap this season, slashing .292/.378/.574 across Double-A and Triple-A with 14 home runs, 37 runs batted in, 12 stolen bases and an OPS of .952.
DeLuca is able to play all three outfield spots, and will be hoping to earn himself playing time due to his ability to hit left-handed pitching.
The Dodgers lineup has lacked a lefty killer this season, and they were trying to force Thompson to be that guy. Unfortunately, his swing just didn't allow him to do it, but maybe DeLuca will end up being the solution.
Congrats to DeLuca on his upcoming call up to the big leagues. I can't wait to see him get in a game.
