The Los Angeles Dodgers are acquiring infielder-outfielder Amed Rosario in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays. In return, Michael Flynn, a minor league right-handed pitcher, is headed to Tampa Bay. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic and Robert Murray of FanSided, respectively, reported each end of the deal before the Dodgers announced it.
The Dodgers have acquired IF/OF Amed Rosario from the Rays in exchange for minor league RHP Michael Flynn. The Dodgers designated LHP Ryan Yarbrough for assignment in order to make room for Rosario.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) July 30, 2024
Rays Trade Amed Rosario to Dodgers
A Pattern of Familiarity
This is one of several trades that Dodgers president Andrew Friedman has made with the Rays in his tenure with Los Angeles, which makes sense given that he was formerly Tampa Bay’s general manager. The Dodgers are familiar with the veteran Rosario. They received Rosario from the Cleveland Guardians in 2023. In exchange, Los Angeles sent pitcher Noah Syndergaard back to Cleveland.
Rosario appeared in 48 games and hit for a .256 batting average and had 11 extra-base hits in a platoon role last season for the Dodgers. A versatile utility man, the veteran played mainly at second base. This year with the Rays, Rosario is batting .312/.336/423. Rosario will most likely face left-handed pitchers and float between second base, shortstop, and third base. The Dodgers are anticipating the return of Mookie Betts in a few weeks. Betts, out with a broken hand, has been doing infield drills at Dodger Stadium. However, they may be unsure when Miguel Rojas (forearm tightness) or Max Muncy (strained oblique) will be ready to return from the injured list. In addition, second baseman Gavin Lux is not in the lineup against left-handers.
Consequently, the acquisition of Rosario gives Los Angeles increased flexibility to their roster as October nears,
Who Did They Let Go?
Left-handed reliever Ryan Yarbrough, a casualty of the Los Angeles 40-man roster crunch, has been designated for assignment. Yarbrough was the long man in a tired bullpen. He has been a dependable arm this season with an ERA of 3.74 but has shown some wear in recent outings. The Dodgers acquired Michael Kopech earlier on Monday, and Brusdar Graterol and Ryan Brasier are also expected to return and reinforce the Los Angeles bullpen in the coming days.
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