Of the 61 players who appeared in a game for the Los Angeles Dodgers this past season, Andy Burns arguably had the most unique journey.
The versatile infielder began the year with Triple-A Oklahoma City but was added to the Dodgers’ 40-man roster in June after Dennis Santana was designated for assignment.
Burns provided the club some much needed depth with both Cody Bellinger and Max Muncy nursing respective injuries at the time. After his contract was selected on June 12, Burns was immediately thrust into action by starting at second base that night against the Texas Rangers.
It marked Burns’ first time back in the Majors since appearing in 10 games for the Toronto Blue Jays during the 2016 season. Burns’ Dodgers debut was memorable as he became the first position player to collect his first career hit and pitch in the same game since at least the Expansion Era (1961).
The 31-year-old went 3-for-11 with three walks over nine games with L.A. before being optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City on June 23 as the corresponding move to the Dodgers activating Cody Bellinger.
Burns was later designated for assignment on July 20 in order to make room for Josiah Gray on the 40-man roster, but cleared waivers and remained with the Dodgers’ top affiliate.
Burns wouldn’t return to the Dodgers until the National League Championship Series as a replacement for the injured Justin Turner. He went 0-for-2 in pinch-hit appearances against the Atlanta Braves.
Burns’ 2021 highlight
As previously mentioned, Burns made MLB history in his Dodgers debut by collecting his first career hit and pitching in the same game.
He is the fifth position player since 1961 to pitch in a debut with a team, and the second Dodgers player to do so, joining Bobby Darwin, who did so for L.A. on April 14, 1969.
2022 outlook
The Dodgers outrighted Burns, along with Scott Alexander and Jimmie Sherfy, off their 40-man roster after each cleared waivers at the start of November.
While Alexander and Sherfy each rejected the Minor League assignment in favor of free agency, Burns opted to remain with the organization.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
