Multiple sources are reporting that the Los Angeles Dodgers have designated James Paxton for assignment. Robert Murray of Fansided first broke the news. The serviceable left-hander went five-plus innings Sunday, striking out seven in a 9-6 victory over the Boston Red Sox. Paxton has been a mainstay in a rotation riddled with injuries. This decision is a surprise, given that the veteran is 8-2 with an ERA of 4.43 in his first year with the team.
Sources: James Paxton is being designated for assignment by the Los Angeles Dodgers.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) July 22, 2024
Dodgers Designate James Paxton for Assignment
River Ryan Promoted
The corresponding roster move is to call up River Ryan. As a result, Ryan is expected to make his major league debut against the San Francisco Giants on Monday night. The 25-year-old rookie is the fourth-overall prospect in the Dodgers organization and has risen quickly through the minor leagues. Ryan was acquired from the San Diego Padres.
Other Moves
This initial move will be the first of several this week. Tyler Glasnow and Clayton Kershaw are expected to join the Los Angeles starting rotation on Wednesday and Thursday. Both have been on the injured list and are welcome reinforcements to a roster in need of fresh arms. However, both pitchers’ health and durability remain an open question. As a result, the Dodgers are expected to be aggressive in pursuing quality starting pitching before next week’s trade deadline. Moving Paxton from the 40-man roster allows LA the ability to deal the southpaw in order to address other team needs. In a market where pitching depth is at a premium, the veteran could provide much-needed coverage to a team searching for an innings-eater in the midst of the playoff chase.
Incoming Infusion?
Mookie Betts, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Brusdar Graterol, and Ryan Brasier are all expected back by late August or early September. In addition, the Dodgers are poised to make multiple moves as they pursue a World Series run. Trading James Paxton may be the first tremor of a tectonic shift to a team in search of a championship.
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