We are in prime roster churn season, especially on the pitching side for the Dodgers. Chris Stratton, who already went through the process once with Los Angeles, re-upped with the team on Friday, signing a new major league deal.
The veteran Stratton began the season with the Royals, but was released by Kansas City on May 22. Three days later, the 34-year-old signed with the Dodgers. Stratton pitched in the final two games against the Yankees last weekend, then was designated for assignment on Monday.
After clearing waivers, the Dodgers sent Stratton outright to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Thursday, and with the requisite service time, he declined the minor league assignment and became a free agent. But that was only temporary, as Stratton signed back with the Dodgers on Friday, and even pitched the final inning of a loss to the Cardinals.
So far, Stratton with the Dodgers has pitched in three of the eight games for which he was active, and has given up three runs in four innings, with six strikeouts, two walks, and two home runs allowed.
In between Stratton’s two signings with the Dodgers, the team has also acquired Alexis Díaz, Will Klein, and José Ureña, with Ureña currently in the bullpen along with Stratton.
To make room for Stratton on both the active and 40-man roster, right-hander Ryan Loutos was designated for assignment.
Loutos, who was acquired from the Cardinals on May 1, was called up on Monday and pitched once on the homestand, allowing three runs in two innings in Wednesday night’s loss to the Mets.
In two stints on the active roster with the Dodgers, Loutos allowed five runs in three innings, with two walks and two strikeouts in his two appearances.