The Los Angeles Dodgers have selected the contract of catcher Ben Rortvedt and optioned infielder Alex Freeland. In order to make room on the 40-man roster, the Dodgers designated right-handed pitcher Alexis Díaz for assignment.

The Dodgers made this move as Will Smith deals with a right hand contusion. Smith is continuing to undergo tests as the Dodgers wait to make a decision regarding placing him on the injured list.

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For now, though, he’s remaining on the roster with Rortvedt joining as the third catcher. That cost Freeland a spot for the time being.

Rortvedt will serve as the backup catcher to Dalton Rushing, who will get more playing time in the immediate with Smith out. Manager Dave Roberts said Smith is “unlikely” to play this weekend in Baltimore, meaning Rortvedt could theoretically get a start if the Dodgers don’t want Rushing to play five straight games (including Wednesday’s game in which he entered in the third inning to replace Smith).

The Dodgers acquired Rortvedt in a three-team trade ahead of this year’s deadline in which they sent catcher Hunter Feduccia to the Tampa Bay Rays. Across 17 games in Triple-A Oklahoma City, Rortvedt is hitting .228 with an OPS of .667.

Why Did The Dodgers Option Alex Freeland?

As for Freeland, he goes back to the minor leagues after appearing in 29 games at the MLB level, hitting .190 with two home runs, six runs batted in and an OPS of .601. The decision to option Freeland means the Dodgers greatly value Justin Dean’s presence on the roster as a defensive replacement in the outfield.

With the recent activation of Hyeseong Kim and the upcoming return of Max Muncy, Freeland was likely going to see a reduced role at the MLB level, anyway. This gives him the opportunity to keep developing with everyday at-bats.

Dodgers DFA Alexis Diaz

As for Diaz, this marks the end of a failed experiment with the former All-Star. The Dodgers acquired him from the Cincinnati Reds in late May, hoping to get him back to his All-Star form.

Across nine appearances with the Dodgers, Diaz allowed five earned runs with nine strikeouts for a 9.00 ERA. He’ll now head to waivers where another team will have the opportunity to take a chance on his talent.

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Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

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