The Dodgers are one step closer to finalizing their opening day roster after clearing Trayce Thompson’s roster spot.
On Tuesday the Dodgers inched one step closer to setting their opening day roster as they designated Trayce Thompson for assignment. This means the Dodgers have to either trade, release, or put Thompson on waivers in the next seven days. If he clears waivers which is not likely, he would be optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City. In all likelihood, a team in need of a versatile backup outfielder will claim Thompson. The Giants and A’s are possible fits for him.
This is likely the disappointing end for Trayce Thompson’s Dodger career that started out with a bang. Back in 2016, Thompson belted thirteen home runs in only 80 games appearing to be more than a trade fill in. A back injury limited Thompson’s 2017 season, and he struggled in Triple-A and in his brief stint with the Dodgers last season as he hit a meager .122.
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The Dodgers also claimed Cory Mazzoni off of waivers from the Chicago Cubs in a corresponding move. Mazzoni is likely just a placeholder on the forty man roster as he is 28 years old and put up an ERA over nine with the Cubs this spring. He was originally a second-round pick of the New York Mets in 2011 and made the big leagues with the San Diego Padres in 2015 and 2017.
The domino effect of clearing Thompson’s spot on the active roster is that Kyle Farmer now has a strong chance of making the opening day roster. Joc Pederson and Andrew Toles are in a battle for the last outfield spot so the other open roster spot should go to Farmer. Kyle has had a very strong spring training belting three home runs and driving in nine runs. He also put up a 1.118 OPS. Farmer would give manager Dave Roberts more versatility as he can play all four infield positions in addition to catcher. Carrying a third catcher would also allow Austin Barnes to be used in more pinch-hit at-bats with another catcher left on the bench.
Next: Forsythe ready to fill in for Justin Turner
The Dodgers spring training finale is tonight, and any final roster moves should be finalized after the game. The only roster spots that appear up for grabs are the last two spots on the bench. The candidates for those spots are Kyle Farmer, Joc Pederson, and Andrew Toles. Only one of the bench spots left are going to go to an outfielder, so tonight’s game is the final act in the bench battle between Pederson and Toles.