Los Angeles Dodgers make another strange move
By David Hill
The Yoshi Tsutsugo Era for the Tampa Bay Rays was a disappointment. The Japanese slugger was expected to add another powerful bat with solid on base skills to the Rays lineup, but he was never able to have that production translate to the majors. It was not much of a surprise when the Rays designated Tsutsugo for assignment on Tuesday.
What is a surprise is that the Rays were able to trade him. Although they are picking up nearly $5 million in his remaining salary, the Rays sent Tsutsugo to the Los Angeles Dodgers for a player to be named later or cash considerations.
The Dodgers acquired IF Yoshitomo Tsutsugo from the Tampa Bay Rays for a player to be named later or cash considerations. In order to make room on the 40-man roster, the Dodgers transferred IF Edwin Ríos to the 60-day injured list.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) May 16, 2021
Los Angeles Dodgers make another strange move
This trade comes on the heels of the Dodgers addition of Albert Pujols. As Pujols signed a major league deal, and Tsutsugo cannot be sent to the minors without his permission, this adds another disappointing player to their bench.
More Dodgers. Pujols looking to go out on top. light
In theory, Tsutsugo would have some value due to his defensive versatility. He has appeared at first, third, and left over his time in the majors, and has some experience in right from his time in Nippon Professional Baseball. He could potentially be a useful option to spot into the lineup.
But that would involve Tsutsugo actually hitting at some point, which he has not done. Even if the 2020 season was to be given a mulligan due to the pandemic shortened schedule and the general absurdity of the year, Tsutsugo has not produced in 2021. Thus far, he has a .167/.244/.218 batting line in 87 plate appearances, hitting just four doubles.
Even though the Dodgers are paying the prorated portion of the league minimum for Tsutsugo, it is difficult to see where he would be an upgrade. The Dodgers’ bench is thin, as Matt Beaty is the only one who has really produced to this point, but is Tsutsugo really a better option in terms of upside? The Dodgers may believe that he is, but he has yet to prove it.
Next. Reassessing the Mookie Betts trade. dark
The Los Angeles Dodgers made another strange move in acquiring Yoshi Tsutsugo from the Tampa Bay Rays. Maybe the can coax something out of him this year.