The Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday evening acquired left-handed pitcher Jason Wheeler from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for cash considerations, immediately optioning him to Triple-A Oklahoma City.
The 26-year-old Wheeler saw his first big-league action this year with Minnesota, allowing five runs — three of which were earned — over three full innings in two relief appearances, and has combined to go 55-37 with a 3.70 ERA in 140 games in six minor league seasons in the Twins’ organization, with 139 of those 140 appearances coming as a starter. A Triple-A International League All-Star in 2016, Wheeler went 4-1 with a 4.50 ERA in eight games with Triple-A Rochester this year before earning his big-league call-up on May 29 and being designated for assignment on June 1. The Torrance, CA, native was originally selected by the Twins in the eighth round of the 2011 First-Year Player Draft out of Loyola Marymount.
Wheeler will primarily serve as starting rotation depth at OKC, joining Justin Masterson, Jair Jurrjens and Trevor Oaks as other prominent arms who are on the fringes of the big leagues.
To create room on the 40-man roster, Los Angeles transferred infielder/outfielder Rob Segedin to the 60-day disabled list. The 28-year-old New Jersey native underwent surgery for an injured wrist and will miss an additional 4-6 weeks. Segedin had been out initially with a toe injury since April 19 without making significant progress. That injury that was originally expected to keep him out for perhaps a month. However, he suffered a separate wrist injury while rehabbing, and this new ailment could conceivably keep him off the field until the All-Star break. With outfielders like Brett Eibner making his presence known and Chris Taylor continuing to add value at multiple positions, there’s no guarantee Segedin will even make the major-league roster upon his return.
In addition to Segedin, Scott Kazmir, Andrew Toles, Andre Ethier, Brock Stewart and Yimi Garcia are also on the club’s 60-day DL. Andy noted on Friday that the big league squad’s current disabled list count stands at 11 players.
(Jon Chapper furnished some information provided in this report)