The Los Angeles Dodgers made a roster move ahead of Tuesday night’s game against the San Francisco Giants, placing A.J. Pollock on the 10-day injured list with right elbow inflammation and recalling Matt Beaty from Triple-A Oklahoma City.
It marked Beaty’s first time joining an active Major League roster. He was drafted by the Dodgers in the 12th round in 2015 out of Belmont University. Beaty brings some versatility with his ability to play both corner infield positions, second base and left field.
He does bat left-handed though, so he can’t necessarily serve as a platoon option to complement the likes of Joc Pederson and Alex Verdugo, who both should see increased playing time while Pollock is out.
Beaty nonetheless made his MLB debut on his first night with the Dodgers, and he delivered a pinch-hit single in the ninth inning.
The moment and overall experience of being with the team had the 26-year-old in some awe, via SportsNet LA:
“It was awesome. It still hasn’t really hit me yet, that I was out there on a big league field, facing big league pitching and playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers. It’s definitely an honor and it’s an unreal experience.”
In 22 games with Oklahoma City to begin the season, Beaty hit .277/.355/.434 with two home runs, five doubles, 10 runs scored and 10 RBI. He was limited to just 31 games with the same affiliate due to injury in 2018, but he batted .277/.378/.406 with 10 doubles, a home run and 12 RBI.
It is currently unknown how long Pollock will be out for, but this will serve as the first of likely a few opportunities that Beaty will have to prove that he is a Major League-caliber player with the Dodgers this season.
