Jake Lamb was one of the biggest surprises in Spring Training this year, but he ultimately fell short of earning a spot on the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Opening Day roster. Alongside other non-roster invitees, 31-year-old was re-assigned to Minor League camp in the days leading up to the 2022 regular season beginning.
Coming off a particularly futile 2021 season, Lamb bounced back to the tune of a .333/.379/.667 batting line with three doubles, two home runs and two RBI in 12 Cactus League games for the Dodgers.
While that was an encouraging showing, Lamb’s odds of breaking camp with the team were impacted by the fact he would have needed to be added to their 40-man roster that remains full.
Lamb began 2022 season with Triple-A Oklahoma City, and according to Juan Toribio of MLB.com, has two opportunities to opt out of his Minor League contract if not promoted to the Dodgers’ active roster:
#Dodgers Jake Lamb, who had a strong spring, will start the season with Triple-A OKC. He has opt-out dates in May and July, per source.
— Juan Toribio (@juanctoribio) April 4, 2022
An All-Star with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2017, Lamb struggled to remain healthy the past four seasons. He was limited to 220 games from 2018-21, and hit a combined .203/.308/.355 with 25 doubles and 22 home runs over that span.
While in camp with the Dodgers, Lamb noted he was feeling much stronger than in previous years, and attributed his success to his improved health and swing mechanics.
Roberts expects Lamb to contribute to Dodgers
Although he was not with the Dodgers for the start of the regular season, manager Dave Roberts expects Lamb to eventually join the team. “I feel very fondly of Jake,” Roberts began.
“It’s a tough game to have that conversation when you know players are deserving. But he was a pro and I expect him, along with Kevin, at some point to help us out.”
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