F0r the Los Angeles Dodgers, the dog days of summer are fading away, and September call-ups are just around the corner. There is no question they could use some help as they head towards the end of the season, but roster spots are limited. Who are the players that could fill those spots? Here are five possible candidates:
Five Potential September Call-ups For The Dodgers
Landon Knack
The Dodgers’ starting rotation seems to have spent more time on the Injured List than on the field this season. Landon Knack has been pressed into service several times this year as both a starter and a reliever. In ten games and 48 innings pitched, the rookie right-hander has a 3.00 Earned Run Average with 16 walks and 44 strikeouts. The one troubling statistic is that Knack has served up nine home runs in his abbreviated time in the majors. However, if the Dodgers are looking for someone to eat innings in September, Landon has a Knack for that.
Brent Honeywell Jr.
Brent Honeywell was claimed off waivers from the Pittsburg Pirates by Los Angeles before the All-Star Break. The right-hander served as an opener against the Detroit Tigers in his first appearance. Honeywell was a surprisingly solid option coming out of the bull during the first month or so with L.A. The reliever’s effectiveness waned shortly before he was sent down to Triple-A Oklahoma City, but he could be a viable option if the Dodgers need an inning or two out of the bullpen.
Dalton Rushing
Dalton Rushing is the dark horse candidate of this list. Rushing is considered one of the Dodgers top untouchable prospects. The young catcher has spent most of the season in Double-A Tulsa, where he was hitting close to .280 with 17 homers. As a result, he has been promoted to Triple A Oklahoma City and his batting average is up above .300. With Will Smith hitting about .180 since May, would the Dodgers entertain the possibility of calling the young receiver up just to see what happens? The odds don’t seem to favor that option in the midst of a pennant chase, but stranger things have happened.
Justin Wrobleski
Justin Wrobleski has had a couple cups of coffee with the Dodgers this year. In his limited appearances, the young left-hander has a 1-1 record, with an ERA of 4.68. Wrobleski was far more effective an his earlier starts. In his latest outing, he gave up three home runs to the St. Louis Cardinals. However, he did hold the Houston Astros to just 2 earned runs in 5 2/3 innings. If he is able to replicate that in a spot start in September, the Dodgers would be very happy.
Andy Pages
Andy Pages spent most of the season in the big leagues. However, with the influx of players returning from the Injured List, roster spots were limited, and the young outfielder was sent down. When he was first called up, he gave Los Angeles a much-needed offensive boost. However, as time passed, Pages cooled off considerably, and his glove work was a work in progress. Just before being sent down, the rookie showed some life at the plate, especially against left-handed pitchers. In his last seven games with the Dodgers, Pages was hitting .318 with a homer. If Manager Dave Roberts wants to give Mookie Betts or Teoscar Hernandez a breather, the rookie could sub ably in a corner outfield spot.
Predicting The Future
The Dodgers needs could change at a moment’s notice, but Justin Wrobleski and Andy Pages seem to be the most likely call-ups on September 1st. Whatever happens, we don’t have long to wait
Main Photo Credits: Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports
