Los Angeles Dodgers trade for Michael Young
The Los Angeles Dodgers continue to add players in preparation for their playoff run.
According to FOX’s Ken Rosenthal, the Dodgers have acquired Michael Young from the Philadelphia Phillies. Rosenthal says Young waived his no-trade clause to come to the NL West-leading Dodgers.
Young is batting .276 with a .731 OPS this season. The 36-year-old has mostly played third base this season, though he has also played first. He can play the two middle infield positions and figures to give Dodgers manager Don Mattingly several options, mostly at third and possibly at second.
Young may compete with Juan Uribe for playing time at third base. Uribe is batting .272 with a .727 OPS, which is a similar stat line to Young. The Dodgers also have Mark Ellis and Skip Schumaker playing second, so Young could split with them.
Young is in the final season of a five-year, $80 million contract. He has earned $16 million for the past three seasons and was considered to be one of the most overpaid players in baseball.
The Phillies are receiving left-handed pitcher Rob Rasmussen in return. Rasmussen was a second-round pick in 2010 by the Miami Marlins. The former UCLA pitcher went 3-4 with a 2.55 ERA at Double-A this season, but he struggled going 0-7 with a 6.46 ERA in Triple-A.
The Phillies are kicking in some cash as part of the trade. By beating the Sept. 1 deadline, Young will be eligible for the Dodgers’ postseason roster.
