The Dodgers open a series against the Padres at Petco Park in San Diego, and activated one of their trade deadline additions. Michael Kopech, acquired from the White Sox in Monday’s three-team trade, was activated into the Dodgers bullpen.
He takes the active roster spot of pitcher Ryan Yarbrough, who was designated for assignment Monday to make 40-man roster room for Amed Rosario. Kopech last pitched for the White Sox last Thursday, which makes him the most-rested pitcher in the Dodgers bullpen.
Freddie Freeman, who was placed on the family emergency list on Saturday, missed the three-game series against the Astros in Houston, having flown back to Los Angeles to be with his son Maximus, who was hospitalized last week. Freeman isn’t active for Tuesday’s game, and he might not rejoin the team until this weekend in Oakland, per Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic.
Dave Roberts said he doesn’t anticipate Freddie Freeman returning off emergency family leave during this series in San Diego.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) July 30, 2024
Niether Amed Rosario, who was acquired from the Rays on Monday, nor outfielder Kevin Kiermaier, acquired from the Blue Jays on Tuesday, are with the Dodgers just yet, per Bill Plunkett of the Orancge County Register.
Whether that means the Dodgers play a position player short on Tuesday night — since Miguel Vargas was sent to the White Sox — or call someone else up before the game remains to be seen.
Also on Tuesday, the Dodgers designated pitchers Nick Ramirez and Gus Varland for assignment, to make room on the 40-man roster for Kiermaier and Jack Flaherty., the latter who was acquired from the Tigers in a three-player trade earlier Tuesday.
Both pitched in seven games for the Dodgers. Ramirez allowed eight runs in 11⅓ innings, with four strikeouts and seven walks during his four different stints with the Dodgers this season. Varland allowed three runs (two earned) in his six major league innings, with three strikeouts and four walks.