The Dodgers and Rays continue to be two of the deadline’s more active teams, as Los Angeles reacquired Amed Rosario from Tampa Bay. Minor league righty Michael Flynn heads to the Rays in return in a one-for-one swap. To create roster space for Rosario, the Dodgers have designated Ryan Yarbrough for assignment
Rosario has now been a deadline pickup for the Dodgers in consecutive years, after L.A. acquired him from the Guardians in exchange for Noah Syndergaard last July. Rosario hit .256/.301/.408 over 133 plate appearances for the Dodgers following the trade, primarily playing second base with a few appearances at his old shortstop position, after primarily playing short in his previous six seasons with the Guardians and Mets.
After signing a one-year, $1.5MM deal with the Rays last winter, Rosario moved into more of a full utility role, spending most of his time at second base and left field while still getting substantial playing time at shortstop and third base. The initial expectation was that the right-handed hitting Rosario would mostly face left-handed pitching, but between injuries and his respectable splits, Rosario ended up facing more right-handers than southpaws while hitting an overall .307/.331/.417 across 275 PA for Tampa Bay. Rosario has a 115 wRC+, which would be a career high if he can keep it going over the rest of the season.
Rosario could just slot back right back into regular second-base duty in a platoon with Gavin Lux, but a larger role is probably in store for Rosario while the Dodgers try to manage several injuries. With Mookie Betts, Max Muncy, Miguel Rojas, Chris Taylor, and the newly-acquired Tommy Edman all on the mend, Rosario figures to get a decent dose of playing time all over the infield.
With only around $500K still owed to Rosario in salary for the rest of the season, the trade is a cost-effective move for the Dodgers that might pay big dividends, considering Rosario’s quality numbers and his familiarity with playing in Los Angeles. The deal also continues Andrew Friedman’s long history of trading with his former team, as the L.A. president of baseball operations has swung several deals since leaving the Rays for the Dodgers back in 2014.
Flynn is just over a week away from his 28th birthday, and he’ll get to celebrate by once more changing organizations during his pro career. A sixth-round pick for the Pirates in 2018, Flynn also spent time in the Mariners’ farm system before joining the Dodgers this season, and he has a 4.95 ERA over 36 1/3 relief innings for Triple-A Oklahoma City.
As with most Pacific Coast League numbers, a look behind the ERA is necessary in the hitter-friendly league, and Flynn has a 32.1% strikeout rate and 9.6% walk rate. His strikeout numbers have increased exponentially over his last two seasons, and given the Rays’ penchant for uncovering hidden gems, it stands to reason that Tampa has seen something in Flynn that might put him in line for his Major League debut.
Since the Dodgers’ injury woes also extend to their pitching staff, Yarbrough’s DFA counts as a bit of a surprise, as he has been a fairly effective arm for L.A. since being picked up from the Royals at last year’s trade deadline. This season Yarbrough has a 3.74 ERA in 67 1/3 innings while working as a long reliever and occasional bulk pitcher, albeit with such unimpressive metrics as an 8.9% walk rate and a 13.9% strikeout rate. That latter number is one of the lowest K-rates in the sport, though he has also been one of the league’s best at limiting hard contact, albeit with some significant help from a .214 BABIP.
Yarbrough’s 4.96 SIERA apparently carried more weight for the Dodgers than his ERA of over a run lower, so Los Angeles has now sent the veteran to the DFA wire. The left-hander’s ability to eat innings out of the pen could make him a candidate for a waiver claim, particularly since several teams might have holes to fill in their relief corps if other relievers are traded by the deadline.
Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic first reported the Dodgers were acquiring Rosario. Robert Murray of FanSided reported Flynn was going back to Tampa. Juan Toribio of MLB.com first reported the Yarbrough DFA.
What a joke.
Pithy comment, but lacking in substance.
Care to elaborate?
Yandy next
You think someone who leaves a comment like that knows how to articulate themselves?
Maybe these Dodger fans have a point.
It’s kind of sad hating on a team that hasn’t won anything.
Nothing like taking morality lessons from the fanbase that put a guy in a wheelchair. Guess we’re supposed to forget about that.
Are you an orange cat? Do you have more than 2 brain cells?
Evergreen post.
The Rays are playing chess when most of the other teams are playing checkers.
What fans don’t realize is that having a Rays’ coaching staff that have time and again gotten the most out of their players means that the players trade value is even higher. They are benefitting on their new development as well as their retro-development of current players.
Can the Dodgers afford to pay him?
Will the players going back or his salary be deferred?
His salary is deferred…remember those days. Ahhh memories.
I was quite fond of the classic “…rumor is that (insert free agent) is on a flight to Toronto as we speak.”
Oh my the bad sarcasm
They’re going to defer $1000/yr for the next 500 years
Just a filler trade bro! Relax. This isn’t their “big bat”. That comes tomorrow. LOL!!
Sad the Dodgers need a big bat.
Who’s the big bat?
Who’s getting DFA’d? Taylor or Hernandez?
Yarbs
KC calling for Yarbs.
Ahh. Yarbrough wasn’t in the article at first. I also forgot about Nick Ahmed. He’s probably the next one out…
Or Biggio
I’d guess Ahmed first since Biggio came up clutch a few times in front of daddy.
God I hope we don’t just ride his name forever like the vaGiants do with Yaztremski
It’s really splitting hairs, but I’d have to say between the two Biggio is performing slightly better. I think that weighs heavier than the name brand. Ultimately either are probably expendable once the regulars return healthy again. This is most definitely not a Yaz situation. We’re talking about waiver wire stucco while the team is on the mend.
It’s a shame he has zero trade value. Best part for SF is they’re getting his prime years dirt cheap. Worst part is his prime years ended 2 years ago.
Rosario Rotisserie
Dodgers loading up for that NLCS against Philly.
Highly doubt LA makes it that far (as usual).
Neither will Philly if their play of late is any indication.
As usual? There have only been 2 seasons since the last time the Dodgers were there lol.
‘gettin the band back together
So Amed will replace the recently acquired Ahmed at shortstop?
Dodgers are allowed 50 players on their active roster. For depth, you know.
You are obviously out of your depth here
Only 50????? They also have had their lux tax threshold increased to $500m. Because they’re the Dodgers.
They pay a Gavin Lux tax? If so, they should get more out of him.
Replacing Vargas
He’s hitting .307 in the AL East which would be good for second best batting average on the Dodgers. Assuming they gave up a middling prospect it’s a nice insurance pickup who can play anywhere in the field.
Middling doesn’t even come close to what LA gave up: virtually nothing.
At 28 Flynn is a lottery ticket alright – a losing scratcher one of the ushers foundin a puddle of beer.
LA is so smart. They pick up a bench piece who mashes LHP and all they give up is a 27 year old in AAA.
He isn’t a bench piece. He’s starting short. He’s having a very good year.
How has that intelligence played out in the postseason lately?
They’ve actually made it to the postseason, so there’s that. The week off they’ve gotten the past couple years hasn’t helped, same story for the Braves. How has Farhan worked out for the giants lately? You guys done with your rebuild yet?
I’m not a Giants fan, dingus. Braves won a real WS in 2021, bad comparison.
This is only for depth for the present period.
I could of gave them depth, but can’t play baseball a lick. Jk.
Is Chris Taylor’s time as a Dodger over?
He injured his groin this is for right now depth.
One can only wish
@Reynaldo’s; one can only hope. Along with Kike Hernandez, Heyward, Muncy. Would really like to see Friedman overwhelm the A’s for relief pitcher Erceg and O.F. Brent Rooker!
Dear Tampa,
You can only legally hold a “Going Out of Business” sale for 120 days not 26 years. Please move.
Sincerely,
MLB fans
Yet they compete better than almost everyone. Maybe they know what they are doing.
Ahhh…another hater of the Rays because they do so much more with less than anyone in baseball. And if the Trop was your home stadium, you’d stay home more often too.
I never begrudge the Rays a trade for the exact reasons you stated.
The Trop is lacking.
One more county council vote and the new stadium is approved and construction starts in January.
Username checks out.
And moving isn’t going to change the frugality of ownership. They’ll be the same team with the same ownership playing in a new city and a new stadium.
How original.
I almost believe you care.
Good name for you.
They acquire Rosario again just like the braves acquiring the other rosario
I’m pretty sure there’s something about that in the Book of Revelations
Such a Dodgers move
Guess you can add being a Rosario to being left handed…always in demand
Rosario is who I wanted the Yankees to sign in February to help off the bench. Solid pick up for LA.
@spider: Rosario is Righthanded
These new ads on the app are driving me nuts.
Subscribe, it’s less than $30/year.
We feel for you. We can’t reach you, but we still feel for you.
I’ll save everyone some time.
Non Dodger fans wonder how a team spends this much and can acquire what feels like 5 players a day and has more holes than Swiss cheese, and Dodger fans get on their high horse to make eye rolling smug comment like you’re out of your depth, or adios troll.
Its easy if you would actually do your own research instead of making uneducated comments. Amed Rosario signed a 1 year ,$1,500,000 so prorated amount is probably less then $500,000. I am sure its not breaking the payroll. Come on people use that interweb thingy for something more then doing selfies.
Do my research…what a tool.
I’m sure you think you’re one step away from working for the team too.
Note I didn’t say a word about payroll. You just assumed I did. Says more about your sensitivity to the subject than anything.
Maybe because for all the money you throw at Ohtani the Gambler, you’ve still won nothing.
Btw, it’s more than, not then.
If you’re so smart, why didn’t you know that? Maybe do some research on that.
I know you are bit what am I. Be an asset, and not a drain you dull knife
I ask myself this every day. One would think they would have figured out by now that no matter how hard they try, they can’t buy a championship. It’s baseball.
@njbirdsfan “Non Dodger fans wonder how a team spends this much….”
also @njbirdsfan “Note I didn’t say a word about payroll.”
Words are hard.
Njbirds: let’s see if this works, “adios Troll!”
And I’m guessing the Mariners are not going to get Yarbrough…not sure why. We could use him as a long reliever, which we really need.
What!!!!!!!♂️
Maybe just keep him for next year instead of dealing with kike Taylor biggio
Wtf Yarbrough? Theres a lot worse RP than Yarbrough in the BP right now. Michael Petersen, Gus Varland and Nick Ramirez both are so-so and they can move Kyle Hurt since he got TJ surgery last week
Dodgers picked up some decent post season contributors today without giving up to much . A lot of teams could have used him.
What are they gonna do when Muncy and Betts return. Do they even have anyone to send down or to DFA? They’re absolutely loaded and bolstered it with Rosario and Edman.
Not Edman yet.
Logjammer, I don’t believe Muncy will be back in 2024.
Is Yarbrough maybe a better version of Colonel Perez in the pen for the Orioles?
I don’t know if Perez has options but if so and Ryan drops to their claim level — I think he’d be a decent lefty option to come back to the AL East.
@nieL: None of those guys are on the active roster. And they made room for Kopech.
They still can sent Hunter Feducia back to AAA since LA brings 3 catchers yesterday.
good point. but they only carry 13 pitchers. someone had to go for Kopech.
but a pitcher had to go to make room for Kopech.
Farhan is busy let the man work to bring Giants back to .500 whilst rest of division improves their situation
@ Data: are we sure Farhan knows the deadline is tomorrow?
Its hard to find a journeyman catcher that he has not already traded for or signed
Farhan not to be bothered with deadlines and such things.
Rays should have asked for Kevin or Sam Flynn – they would work out better than a 6.72 ERA minor league pitcher at 27 years of age
This move is puzzling after getting Ahmed and Edman.
Pitching trades coming in soon, and for depth. It could be depth for 3b, and CT3 could be out longer
The Dodgers are truly pathetic. If there wasn’t a roster cap, they’d try to buy half the players in the league.
Cry
A pretty funny comment considering who they actually got.
You’re spelling Padres wrong.
? The Padres have the 15th highest payroll in the league.
Marlins RP Tanner Scott goes up for auction tomorrow, who will really overpay for him? I figure the Dodgers, Mets, Yankees will be the main bidders tomorrow.
Not the Yankees. They want to send back trash for each trade.
Not the Dodgers. He’s actually a good reliever.
I’m surprised they cut Yarbs after one bad month. He’s been so reliable before that.
Roster crunch
Just looks like a salary dump by The Rays.
Yeah his mega 1.5 mil salary is really killing the Rays.
lol
ENOUGH ALREADY! This scumbag team can’t help itself. Literally buys EVERYONE. Spend $1B this offseason just because you can and want to appease your clown phony fake dirtbag fanbase? Nah that’s not enough. Let’s keep the onslaught going because it’s our birthright to win our first LEGITIMATE FULL-SEASON World Series in 36 years. People who call themselves “fans” of this team shouldn’t even be able to look themselves in the mirror.
see a therapist Mickey
A trolling therapist so he feels right at home!
Forget your meds this morning?
Tell us what you really think Mickey.
Hey Mickey “Nutter” Solis is back. How’ve you been nutter? Still ranting, raging, and foaming at the mouth, I see. What must it be like to be you? The mind boggles.
Amed Rosario was the straw?
Mets should pickup Yarbrough
Yarbs will most likely be traded tomorrow
It would be lucky for the Dodgers if they were able to bundle him in a trade, because the option is paying him to play somewhere else. With his salary he might just have cleared waivers but he has enough service time to refuse assignment. So either way he’s gone.
Yarbrough is the return for Kiermaier
Rays could have gotten way more for Rosario. Performing well on a wildly cheap contract. And getting a pitcher not even in LA’s top 30. Unreal. Rays outsmarted themselves once again!
“Rays outsmarted themselves once again!”
Name the first time.
The Rays know what they’re doing; you don’t.
Blake Snell trade.
Cronenworth trade.
Franco extension.
David Peralta/Nelson Cruz Trade.
Drafting a million SSs and UTI players that never stick to one position and end up being crap at all of them.
Keeping Alex Jackson employed. Never addressing their weaknesses in the off-season and trying to replace a single position with two cheap veterans.
Loads of examples if you know where to look. Unfortunately I’m too busy to bother and don’t care enough.
Wow. Yarbrough has been Roberts rubber arm out of the bullpen and they DFA him and bring in a Closer who has almost as many Losses as Saves.
Also, seems the Dodgers are cornering the market on A(h)med’s…
Rsox – I agree. With all the BP struggles, it’s surprising to let Yarbrough go, especially for ANOTHER platoon infielder. Plus, Rosario is a below average defender….I don’t get it.
They’ll be able to get something for Yarbrough. But he was the long man in the pen, and they are already on fumes with Roberts insisting on pulling starters after 5-2/3 shutout innings. I hope this means some of the young’uns are sticking around to provide bullpen bulk innings.
Kopech the new Yarbrough?
That’s my guess. He’s another converted starter.
Honeywell can also pitch long relief and so can Grove when he comes back.
It now appears as if Muncy is not going to be back, or at least they’re not expecting him back.
His fatness means the oblique isn’t healing well?
I know it’s a bit of a crowd goes mild move, but it makes a lot of sense considering the injuries, the infield woes, and the price is right. You get versatility, hitting for average, a bit of speed and can possibly lose some of the waiver wire pickups and because it’s a decent upgrade. Of course we’re all waiting for the wowzers move, and every move like this feels like they’re not gonna do it. But it’s coming. Still got another day to dot i’s and cross t’s.
Is Lux part of the wowzer? Hope not.
As in getting moved? I kinda doubt it. He seems like he’s part of the big picture.
With all these redundant players, is something bigger in the works? Friedman did say they were looking for an impact arm. They’ve only gotten rid of Vargas, who was barely a blip in the roster without a position.
Mr. Clean is still available.
Steve Garvey?
I was thinking of the bald guy on the detergent bottle. Take a look at those arms. They are impact.
Rays really really love this minor league depth arm. I do wonder why he hasn’t been given a shot.
A++++ to the moon for LA. Guy is having an incredible year. They got him for completely free.
Why are the Dodgers picking up more bottom of the lineup hitters? With Muncy’s and Betts injuries and Freeman out on leave, they only have 3 reliable hitters and a bunch of low .200 hitters. Rosario is just another platoon/utility guy, and despite his .307 average, Roberts will find a reason why he should only play 2 out of 5 games.
First you say Rosario is just a platoon guy, and then claim Roberts will find way to platoon him. Make up your mind.