Dodgers Poach RHP From Rays Leading Into Weekend Series Between Clubs
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The Los Angeles Dodgers and Tampa Bay Rays are getting set for a three-game series in Florida this weekend, but that didn't stop the Dodgers from making a last-second roster move to bolster the bullpen with a former Ray.
The Dodgers have claimed former Rays RHP Zack Burdi on waivers, after Tampa Bay designated him for assignment earlier this week. In a corresponding move, the Dodgers moved RHP Tyler Cyr to the 60-day injured list.
Burdi was DFA'd earlier this week after allowing five earned runs in one inning during the Rays' 20-1 beatdown at the hands of the Toronto Blue Jays.
Prior to that outing, though, Burdi made two appearances, going three innings and allowing one hit, one walk and zero runs while striking out four.
The Rays had seen enough of the former first-round pick, though, which works for the Dodgers, who think they can work with him to get some value this season.
Burdi was drafted in the first round of the 2016 MLB Draft by the Chicago White Sox, just a few picks before his teammate at Louisville, Dodgers catcher Will Smith.
Burdi made his MLB debut with the White Sox in 2020, before playing for the Baltimore Orioles for a bit, and now this year, with the Rays.
Now, Burdi is with the Dodgers organization, and will get to work with their pitching coaches to further develop his game. The 28-year-old could end up being a member of the team's bullpen sooner rather than later, as the Dodgers have struggled to find consistency there all year long.
Burdi likely isn't going to be with the team for this series against the Rays, but he was pitching in the majors as early as this week, so he doesn't need a whole lot of time to get adjusted.
As for Cyr, the Dodgers clearly didn't have plans for him to rejoin the active roster anytime soon, so his season with the big league club could now be in jeopardy. At the very least, we won't be seeing him for a long time.
