Dodgers designate IF Sheldon Neuse for assignment

The Dodgers are designating infielder Sheldon Neuse for assignment, per Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. The move clears 40-man roster space for Chris Taylor, whose previously reported four-year deal has been made official.

The 26-year-old Neuse came over to the Dodgers via trade in February from the Athletics. While Neuse continued to post strong numbers in Triple-A, he struggled to find his footing at the plate while operating as a bench piece for the Dodgers. In 33 games, but just 66 plate appearances, Neuse hit .169/.182/.323 with an alarming 26 strikeouts.

The former second-round draft pick will likely draw interest from other teams owing to his history of success in the upper minors, to say nothing of his versatility. Since being drafted in 2016 Neuse has played every position on the field except for catcher, center field and pitcher. It’s not impossible Neuse returns to the Dodgers, of course, but if this is the end of his tenure in Dodger blue his L.A. supporters might take solace knowing the Oakland end of the trade has yet to bear much fruit either.