What Happened
On June 10, 2025, the Los Angeles Dodgers announced the recall of right-handed pitcher Matt Sauer from their Triple-A affiliate, Oklahoma City, while designating veteran pitcher José Ureña for assignment. This decision comes in light of the Dodgers’ ongoing struggles with injuries in their starting rotation, particularly the absence of Tony Gonsolin, who has been placed on the injured list. Ureña’s brief tenure with the Dodgers lasted only a week, during which he made two appearances, yielding one run over three innings.
Sauer’s recall marks his fifth stint with the Dodgers this season. He has shown some promise in his limited appearances, with a 3.05 ERA and a high groundball rate, although he has struggled with strikeouts. The Dodgers are expected to utilize Sauer in a bulk role, likely coming in after an opener during a bullpen game against the San Diego Padres.
Key Details
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Matt Sauer’s Performance: Sauer, 26, has pitched 20⅔ innings across seven appearances this season, allowing nine runs (seven earned) and striking out 13 batters. His low walk rate of 3.8% and high groundball rate of 49.2% have been noted as positive indicators of his ability to manage base runners effectively.
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José Ureña’s Tenure: Ureña, who signed with the Dodgers after being designated for assignment by the Toronto Blue Jays, had a short stint with the team. In his two appearances, he allowed one run on four hits. Ureña has been a journeyman pitcher, having played for multiple teams in recent years, and this marks his third team in the current season alone.
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Injury Impact: The Dodgers’ rotation has faced significant challenges due to injuries, with Gonsolin being the latest addition to the injured list. This situation has necessitated the frequent recall of pitchers from the minor leagues to fill gaps in the roster.
Multiple Perspectives
The decision to designate Ureña for assignment has drawn mixed reactions. Some analysts argue that Ureña’s experience and versatility as a pitcher should have warranted a longer look with the Dodgers, especially given the team’s injury woes. According to Eric Stephen of True Blue LA, Ureña’s ability to pitch both as a starter and in relief could have been beneficial in a season where the Dodgers have already used 30 different pitchers.
Conversely, others suggest that Ureña’s performance did not justify his retention. His overall statistics for the season reflect struggles, including a 5.40 ERA across three teams, which may have influenced the Dodgers’ decision to move on quickly. Furthermore, the rapid turnover of pitchers has become a common practice in Major League Baseball, particularly among teams dealing with injuries and performance issues.
Context & Background
The Dodgers’ use of a “bullpen game” strategy has become increasingly common in recent years, particularly as teams seek to manage pitcher workloads and navigate injuries. This approach often involves using multiple pitchers in a single game rather than relying on a traditional starting pitcher. The Dodgers have been at the forefront of this trend, frequently cycling through pitchers to maintain effectiveness throughout the long MLB season.
Ureña’s history as a controversial figure, particularly among Atlanta Braves fans due to past incidents, adds another layer to his narrative. His intentional hit on Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr. in 2018 has made him a polarizing figure, and his recent struggles may have led to a lack of sympathy from fans when he was designated for assignment.
What We Don’t Know Yet
As of now, it remains unclear where José Ureña will land next in his career. Given his experience and ability to pitch in various roles, he may attract interest from other teams looking for depth in their pitching staff. However, the specifics of his future remain uncertain, as he has been designated for assignment multiple times this season.
Additionally, the long-term implications of the Dodgers’ injury situation and how they will manage their pitching staff moving forward are still unfolding. The effectiveness of Matt Sauer in his upcoming appearances will also be closely monitored, particularly as the Dodgers navigate a challenging stretch of games. The team’s strategy regarding pitcher utilization and roster management will continue to be a focal point as the season progresses.
