Dodgers: Rob Segedin Recalled, Rich Hill to the DL

The Dodgers have recalled Rob Segedin as the counter move to placing Rich Hill on the disabled list.  Segedin was one of the last Dodger cuts and is very deserving of a shot to help cure the Dodgers slump against left-handed hitters.  The Dodgers will face a left-handed starter Tuesday and Wednesday, so the move makes a lot of sense.

While it hasn’t officially been announced it’s being tweeted that Rob Segedin was in the Dodgers clubhouse prior to Monday’s series finale against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Dodgers will face three consecutive left-handed starters with Robbie Ray, Kyle Freeland, and Tyler Anderson as the probable starters for the next three games.

Segedin hit .406 with three home runs in only thirty-two spring at-bats for the Dodgers since he played for Team Israel in the World Baseball Classic.  He already had two homer runs for Triple-A Oklahoma City and bashed twenty-one home runs last season for the Oklahoma City Dodgers.  While he struggled to get base hits against left-handed pitching in the majors last season, he did hit .354 against left-handed pitching in the minors.

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Scott Van Slyke is off to a horrid start hitting only .154 off left-handed pitchers and .133 overall. Segedin could take his roster spot with a strong showing this week given that he can play first base and outfield just like Scott Van Slyke.  It’s not yet known how long Segedin will be up since the Dodgers will slide Alex Wood into Rich Hill’s rotation spot and still have seven relievers in the bullpen.  The Dodgers could keep Segedin on the roster until Rich Hill is re-summoned or they could choose to send him back down to Triple-A after this string of left-handed starters is over.

The Dodgers have liked to keep eight relievers in the bullpen since last season due to the ineffectiveness of starters pitching deep into games.  I think they will keep Segedin on the roster and go with seven relievers for the duration of Hill’s DL stint since they currently only have a four man bench.  Hopefully, Rob Segedin gets the extended look he deserves since he may be the left-handed masher we need but not the one we deserve.

Next: Kenley Jansen Spotlight

While Segedin joining the major league team could work out to be a big boost for the left-handed struggles, it is bittersweet to have Rich Hill go back on the DL just one start removed from rejoining the rotation. Segedin will get the start at first base and hit eighth in the lineup today. Only time will tell if Rich Hill’s blister will ever be back to 100 % and if Segedin can make an impact in the majors to stay with the club.