While the MLB lockout was ongoing this past offseason, the Los Angeles Dodgers signed Stefen Romero to a Minor League contract. The deal was completed around the time players normally would have been reporting to Camelback Ranch for the start of Spring Training.
One month later Romero was included in the Dodgers’ group of non-roster invitees to big league camp. He appeared in six Cactus League games, going 2-for-13 with one double, one RBI and one walk.
Although Romero was thought to be a potential designated hitter candidate for the Dodgers, his 2022 season began with Triple-A Oklahoma City.
According to J.P. Hoornstra of the Southern California News Group, the veteran outfielder is going to be added to the Dodgers roster due to Hanser Alberto being put on paternity leave:
Nearly six years after his last game with the Seattle Mariners, the Dodgers are expected to promote Romero, 33, from Triple-A Oklahoma City to replace Hanser Alberto, who is going on paternity leave.
A player put on the paternity list is required to miss that day’s game and could be away for a maximum of three days. The Dodgers recently were without Craig Kimbrel due to paternity leave.
The Seattle Mariners selected Romero out of Oregon State University in the 12th round of the 2010 MLB Draft. Romero made his MLB debut four years later, but struggled to find much success at the plate over 72 games.
He appeared in 13 games for Seattle during the 2015 season, and only nine the following year. Romero has hit a lifetime .195/.242/.307 with eight doubles, four home runs and 17 RBI in 94 games over parts of three Major League seasons.
During that span he primarily played left field and right field, but also made one start each at first base and center field. With Oklahoma City this year, the 33-year-old started in both corner outfield positions along with the DH spot.
Prior to signing a Minor League contract with the Dodgers, Romero spent the past five seasons playing in Japan.
Dodgers 40-man roster move for Stefen Romero
While Alberto being put on the paternity list will allow the Dodgers to get Romero active, a secondary move is required to first get him on their 40-man roster.
Caleb Ferguson was just placed on the 15-day injured list due to left forearm tendinitis, and theoretically could be transferred to the 60-day IL. However, Ferguson’s injury is not believed to be serious.
The Dodgers may be more likely to transfer Edwin Ríos to the 60-day IL as he continues to recover from a significant right hamstring strain.
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