The Los Angeles Dodgers are gearing up for a significant roster shake-up just in time for their series against the Seattle Mariners. Three players are set to join the team: third baseman Max Muncy, infielder/outfielder Tommy Edman, and catcher Hunter Feduccia.
In a related move, catcher Austin Barnes will be placed on the injured list due to a fracture in his left big toe, as reported by David Vassegh from 570-AM in Los Angeles.
Austin Barnes told me he has a fracture in his left big toe. Played thru it the last 7 innings yesterday. Hunter Feduccia is here to be activated.
— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) August 19, 2024
Vassegh revealed that Barnes was aware of his injury during Sunday’s game against the St. Louis Cardinals, where he managed to catch six scoreless innings pitched by Clayton Kershaw. The Dodgers emerged victorious with a close 2-1 win.
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The Dodgers are anticipated to promote Feduccia, a rookie who has had just one at-bat in the majors back in July, to fill the backup role behind Will Smith.
Max Muncy has been out since May due to an oblique injury, leaving the Dodgers struggling to find his offensive replacement at third base. They’ve rotated through players like Kiké Hernández and Cavan Biggio, without much success offensively in that position.
This season, Muncy was on track for his usual power production, with nine home runs and 28 RBIs in just 40 games, contributing valuable depth to the lineup.
Tommy Edman, who has a solid career batting average of .265 and is known for his defensive skills with a Gold Glove award to his name, missed the first half of the season after wrist surgery. The Dodgers brought him on board through a three-team trade that also included a deal for closer Michael Kopech.
To accommodate Muncy and Edman’s activation from the 60-day injured list, corresponding moves are expected. As reported by Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times, rookie outfielder Andy Pages and veteran shortstop Nick Ahmed have cleared out their lockers in preparation for the roster changes.
The Dodgers are planning to activate Max Muncy and Tommy Edman today
In potentially related news: Nick Ahmed’s locker has been cleared out, and Andy Pages just packed his up and left the clubhouse
— Jack Harris (@ByJackHarris) August 19, 2024
Pages has had a solid rookie season, posting a .246/.305/.388 slash line with nine home runs and 36 RBIs across all outfield positions as well as designated hitter. Meanwhile, Ahmed contributed defensively in 17 games after joining the Dodgers, hitting .229 with one home run.
The Dodgers are also keeping an eye on first baseman Freddie Freeman, who sustained an injury to his right hand when hit by a ground ball during Sunday’s game. Further evaluations are pending.