The Los Angeles Dodgers, a team known for its league-leading front office minds, strategic depth and resourcefulness, have been particularly active in making roster moves this season. With a slew of injuries impacting their pitching staff, the Dodgers have frequently made roster moves to game the MLB’s 40-man roster, waivers, DFA, and the disabled list (DL) to keep their team competitive. This article aims to explain these mechanisms and illustrate how the Dodgers have navigated them in 2024.
The 40-Man Roster
The 40-man roster in Major League Baseball is a crucial component for team management. It includes all players who are eligible to be called up to the major league team. This roster consists of:
- Active players on the 26-man roster (formerly 25-man roster): These are the players available for each game.
- Players on the disabled list (DL): These are players who are temporarily unavailable due to injury.
- Minor league players protected from the Rule 5 Draft: Typically, prospects whom the team wants to keep control over.
Waivers and Designated for Assignment (DFA)
A player must clear waivers before being sent to the minors, unless he has options left. If a player is out of options, he is placed on waivers and other teams can claim him. An unclaimed player can then be outrighted to the minors or released.
The Dodgers’ frequent use of the DFA process illustrates their proactive approach.
Disabled List (DL)
The disabled list allows teams to temporarily replace injured players without losing them permanently. The 10-day, 15-day, and 60-day DL designations correspond to the minimum number of days a player must be inactive. The 60-day DL is often used for long-term injuries because it frees up a spot on the 40-man roster.
A notable example is Connor Brogdon. Brogdon was acquired in April 2024 and placed on the DL after a poor performance. He was later transferred to the 60-day DL with plantar fasciitis. This move raised eyebrows but strategically freed up a roster spot while keeping Brogdon in the organization.
MLB’s Oversight on Injuries and the DL
Major League Baseball is aware of the potential for teams to manipulate the disabled list to gain roster flexibility. To mitigate this, MLB has several checks and balances:
- Medical Verification: Teams must provide medical documentation for injuries that place players on the DL. This documentation includes detailed reports from team doctors and sometimes independent specialists.
- MLB Medical Director: The league’s medical director has the authority to review and verify the legitimacy of the injury claims. If there is suspicion of an invalid injury, the medical director can request further information or an independent examination.
- Penalties for Misuse: The MLB can impost penalties on a team that is manipulating the DL system. These penalties might include fines, loss of draft picks, or other disciplinary actions. However, the application of such penalties is rare and typically involves clear evidence of wrongdoing.
The Dodgers adeptly maneuver within these rules, using the DL strategically to manage their roster without necessarily crossing MLB’s scrutiny threshold.
Dodgers’ 40-Man Roster Moves
The Dodgers have been particularly aggressive in managing their roster this season. Here are some key moves:
- Chris Vallimont: Signed to a minor league contract on May 29, showcasing the Dodgers’ willingness to take low-risk bets.
- Nick Ramirez: Frequently called up and sent down, including as the 27th man for doubleheaders. An example of the use of roster rules to maximize depth.
Dodgers’ 40-Man Roster Strategy
The Dodgers’ strategy revolves around maintaining flexibility and depth. By frequently cycling players through waivers, DFA, and the DL, they manage to keep a fresh roster and ensure that they have the best possible players available at all times. This approach, while sometimes appearing chaotic or suspect, is a calculated effort to maximize the team’s potential despite numerous injuries.
Understanding the mechanics of the 40-man roster, waivers, DFA, and the DL provides insight into the strategic depth of baseball management. The Dodgers’ 2024 season offers a prime example of how a team can utilize these tools to navigate a challenging season (health wise), keeping their roster competitive through constant adjustments. Their approach underscores the importance of roster flexibility in maintaining a winning edge, while also staying within MLB’s oversight mechanisms to prevent misuse of the DL.
Upcoming Roster Moves
As adept as the Dodgers are at navigating the intricacies of their 40-man and 26-man rosters, the challenge is sure to get even bigger in the coming months as the team expects to welcome back Bobby Miller, Clayton Kershaw, Max Muncy, and a slew of relievers. While the gymnastics they’ve played with the 40-man roster to date have worked well, at some point the Dodgers will need to make tough decisions. The Dodgers will soon (hopefully) have 7 healthy starters, so one or two starting caliber pitchers will have to find a new role or take a stint on the DL.
On the offensive side of the ball, Max Muncy is currently nursing a hamstring injury, but with the way Andy Pages has played, the only option would be to send Miguel Vargas down. While that is likely how things play out, Vargas has nothing left to prove in AAA and so it will be tough to send him back down. Is a trade likely to be in the future? Will they move Vargas after showcasing him in order to grab another top end prospect who has some more time left to mature? Will they do the unthinkable and release and eat the big contract of all-purpose (and fan favorite) Chris Taylor who is struggling mightily? The second half of the season is sure to be one filled with interesting roster decisions.