The Los Angeles Dodgers’ first cut of Spring Training came on Feb. 26, when right-hander Brooks Brown was released from the organization. Los Angeles made their second round of larger roster cuts after Monday’s win against the Milwaukee Brewers, sending eight players to Minor League camp.
Jharel Cotton was optioned, while Lisalverto Bonilla, Chase De Jong, Caleb Dirks, Jacob Rhame, Chris Anderson, Alex Hassan and Kyle Farmer were reassigned. Bonilla and Dirks did not appear in a game with the Dodgers this spring.
Of the eight players, only Cotton is on the Dodgers’ 40-man roster, thus explaining the team using their option on him.
Cotton was added to the 40-man roster last November so that the Dodgers would not lose the right-hander in the Rule 5 Draft.
Cotton appeared in three Cactus League games this year, posting a 13.50 ERA and recording three strikeouts in four innings pitched.
Anderson made three relief appearances, allowed one run and had five strikeouts in three innings pitched. Rhame also appeared in three Cactus League games. The right-hander had consecutive scoreless outings, then allowed two runs on three hits in one inning of work against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on March 11.
De Jong allowed a combined two runs and had one strikeout in two innings pitched over a pair of appearances out of the bullpen. Farmer was 2-for-5 with one strikeout in five games. Hassan was 5-for-13 with one double, one RBI, three runs scored, two walks and one strikeout.
The Dodgers now have 54 players in camp, excluding Brandon McCarthy and Frankie Montas, both of whom are on the 60-day disabled list.
