Dodgers DFA Hard-Throwing Ex-Red Sox Pitcher Despite Strong Start To Season

One former member of the Red Sox was DFA'd by the Dodgers on Saturday

Apr 3, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Dinelson Lamet (94) / Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

One former member of the Boston Red Sox may end up looking for another opportunity soon.

The Los Angeles Dodgers signed former Red Sox hurler Dinelson Lamet this past offseason to a minor league deal but he impressed and was able to get called up to the big league club. Despite a strong start to the 2024 season, though, Los Angeles designated Lamet for assignment on Saturday, according to MLB Trade Rumors' Mark Polishuk.

"The Dodgers announced that right-hander has been designated for assignment," Polishuk said. "The move opens up a roster space for fellow righty Gus Varland, who has been called up from Triple-A.

"Lamet’s minor league deal was selected to the active roster on April 1, and he has posted a 2.08 ERA over three appearances and 4 1/3 innings of work.  While a small sample size, Lamet’s 16.7% strikeout rate was uninspiring, and he allowed a solo homer to Michael Busch during 1 1/3 frames in yesterday’s 9-7 Dodgers loss to the Cubs.  If Lamet is the proverbial 26th man on the roster, Los Angeles seems willing to risk losing him on DFA waivers in order to add a fresh arm in Varland, though it is certainly possible Lamet clears waivers and remains in the organization."

The righty is a seven-year big-league veteran and has spent time with the San Diego Padres, Colorado Rockies, Red Sox, and Dodgers. Lamet appeared in three games with Los Angeles before being DFA'd and had a 2.08 ERA in 4 1/3 innings pitched.

There's always a chance that Lamet could go unclaimed on waivers and if that is the case, he could always return to the Dodgers at the minor-league level. If a club were to claim him, they would have to put him on their 40-man roster immediately.

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