The Los Angeles Dodgers designated Dennis Santana for assignment in order to add Andy Burns to their 40-man roster. Mitch White was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City as the second corresponding move to get Burns active with the team.
Santana now is on waivers and presumably is a strong candidate to get claimed despite his inconsistent performance. Should that be the case, the Dodgers figure to work out a trade involving Santana.
If the right-hander manages to clear waivers, a return to Oklahoma City could be in the cards. Santana was optioned to the Dodgers’ top affiliate on May 27.
He’s appeared in 16 games for L.A. this season, posting a 6.00 ERA and 1.93 WHIP. Santana made three starts for Oklahoma City since joining them at the end of last month, pitching to a 10.13 ERA and 2.44 WHIP.
It’s been an underwhelming regular season for the 25-year-old after he impressed during Spring Training. That had Santana competing for the final bullpen spot on the Opening Day roster, which ultimately went to Scott Alexander.
“Very, very difficult decision,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said at the time. “We thought Dennis had a great spring and really impressed with his progress, command and all that stuff. There’s really no viable reason or answer. It’s just more of a numbers game. We just felt right now, Scott has earned that roster spot.”
Santana has been up with the Dodgers over parts of four seasons, going a combined 2-2 with a 6.42 ERA and 36 strikeouts. He was signed by the team as an international free agent in March 2013.
Burns gives Dodgers insurance
In selecting the contract of Burns, the Dodgers have some protection in the event Cody Bellinger and Max Muncy are limited through the remainder of the weekend and into the Philadelphia Phillies series.
Muncy was removed in the second inning on Friday night due to right side tightness, and Bellinger came out in the fifth because of left hamstring tightness. Both were considered day-to-day and expected to be re-evaluated Saturday.
Burns has primarily played second base and third base for Oklahoma City this season, but also has experience at both corner outfield positions.
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