The Los Angeles Dodgers designated recently-acquired first baseman Luken Baker for assignment last week to make room for outfielder Justin Dean.
After passing through waivers, the Dodgers sent Baker outright to Triple-A Oklahoma City, keeping him in the organization.
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Since Baker has less than three years of service time and this was his first time being sent outright, he didn’t have the right to elect free agency. The only way the Dodgers would have lost him is if another team claimed him off waivers.
Baker, 28, has appeared in 73 career games at the MLB level across parts of three seasons, slashing .206/.317/.338 with four home runs, 22 runs batted in and an OPS of .655.
Baker spent his entire professional career in the St. Louis Cardinals organization after being drafted in the second round of the 2018 draft. Across 640 career minor leagues games, Baker has hit .252/.341/.485 with 136 home runs, 422 RBIs and an OPS of .826.
In Triple-A with the Cardinals this season, Baker hit .196 with 10 home runs and an OPS of .707. In his first and only game thus far with Triple-A Oklahoma City, he went 1-for-4 with a double and a walk.
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For now, Baker will provide non-roster depth for the Dodgers in Triple-A. As a first baseman, he has a tough path to getting big league playing time for LA barring any major injuries.
Photo Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images
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