The Los Angeles Dodgers have called up outfielder Justin Dean ahead of Friday’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays.
Dean, 28, will make his MLB debut when he gets into a game with LA.
Dodgers Daily’s Casey Porter was first to report the news of Dean being called up earlier this week.
Dean has appeared in 81 games at Triple-A Oklahoma City this season, slashing .274/.370/.426 with six home runs, 31 RBIs and 25 stolen bases. He replaces Esteury Ruiz on the active roster, as he was optioned on Thursday, per the team’s transaction log.
To make room on the 40-man roster, the recently-acquired Luken Baker was designated for assignment.
Dean was selected in the 17th round of the 2018 MLB Draft by the Atlanta Braves. He had spent his entire professional career with the Braves before joining the Dodgers on a minor league deal this past offseason.
Dean can play all three outfield spots, and will provide speed off the bench. It remains to be seen how he’s used, but he’s unlikely to get many starting opportunties unless he really impresses. The Dodgers are scheduled to face left-handed pitcher Eric Lauer on Sunday, so it’s possible the right-handed hitting Dean gets his first career start in that game.
For now, he could be used as a pinch runner and defensive replacement later in games.
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