The Los Angeles Dodgers began trade deadline day by missing out on Juan Soto, who was sent to the San Diego Padres along with Josh Bell, and shortly after rebounding to acquire Joey Gallo from the New York Yankees in exchange for pitching prospect Clayton Beeter.
Gallo has hit for power in his career but been on a downtrend with the Yankees and endured plenty of struggles this season. While the Dodgers presumably were making a play on Gallo’s upside, the trade nevertheless created a roster crunch on the bench.
Jake Lamb and Trayce Thompson have filled in admirably, but a logjam is on the horizon with Edwin Ríos and Chris Taylor working their way back from respective injuries.
That was alleviated in some part with a trade that sent Lamb to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for cash considerations or a player to be named later.
Lamb signed a Minor League contract with the Dodgers during the offseason and despite performing well, began the season with Triple-A Oklahoma City. He was called up June 28 and went on to appear in 25 games for L.A.
He effectively formed a platoon with Thompson and hit .239/.338/.433 with five doubles, two home runs and four RBI. That role now will likely be filled by Gallo, who offers plenty of power but is prone to strikeouts.
Jake Lamb put trust in Dodgers coaches
One reason the former All-Star decided to sign with the Dodgers was trusting their organizational success with helping players get back on track.
Manager Dave Roberts regularly spoke highly of Lamb, who continued to express his appreciation for the franchise as he remained focused on trying to capitalize on opportunities.
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