The Arizona Diamondbacks claimed Edwin Uceta after he was designated for assignment by the Los Angeles Dodgers in order to add Andy Burns to their National League Championship Series roster. Burns took the spot of Justin Turner, who sustained a Grade 2 hamstring strain in the seventh inning of Game 4.
Uceta made his MLB debut with a start against the Milwaukee Brewers on April 30 and was among the several pitchers who were frequently recalled and optioned off the active roster throughout the year.
The right-hander went 0-3 with a 6.64 ERA, 4.40 FIP and 1.53 WHIP in 20.1 innings across 14 games (one start) for the Dodgers this season, which included two separate stints on the 10-day injured list for a left lumbar strain and right back strain, respectively.
Uceta also was placed on the seven-day IL while with Triple-A Oklahoma City in September. He finished with a 4.71 ERA and 1.40 WHIP in 28.2 innings across 10 games (three starts) for the Dodgers’ top affiliate.
The 23-year-old signed with the Dodgers as an international free agent in 2016 and not too long ago was considered one of the organization’s better pitching prospects.
He was added to the 40-man roster last November ahead of the deadline to protect eligible players from potentially being selected in the 2020 Rule 5 Draft.
Uceta has two Minor League option years remaining and essentially is a flier for a Diamondbacks team in the midst of a rebuild.
Dodgers’ 40-man roster breakdown for 2021 offseason
Uceta is the first of what could be many subtractions from the Dodgers’ 40-man roster this offseason. The club will have decisions to make on 11 players who are set to be free agents after the World Series concludes, including Max Scherzer, Clayton Kershaw, Corey Seager and Kenley Jansen.
L.A. additionally must pick up or decline a $12 million team option for Joe Kelly next season, and the possibility of further players departing via non-tender or trade is strong as well.
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