First Round of Cuts Sends Four to Minor League Camp

The Dodgers have made their first cuts of Spring Training 2013. According to Ken Gurnick four players have been sent to minor league camp:

It’s not a shocker that these four weren’t going to make the Major League roster.

Dallas McPherson along with three other non-roster players are sent to minor league camp. Photo: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Dallas McPherson, the left-hand hitting third baseman, was especially cringe worthy in his 13 at-bats during Spring Training so far. The non-roster invitee who was previously part of the Chicago White Sox system, hit just .154 with 2 hits and 7 strikeouts in 8 games.

Nick Evans, first base, collected one more hit than McPherson with 3 in 12 at-bats with the Dodgers this Spring. His .250 average over the course of 8 games didn’t impress, and even though the Dodgers are in need of a back-up for Adrian Gonzalez at first base, Nick Evans will decidedly not be that said player.

Osvaldo Martinez, a shortstop, is the third infielder the Dodgers have chosen to send over to the minor league side. In his 9 Spring at-bats, Ozzie has hit .111 with 1 hit.

The Dodgers also chose to cut lefty Kelvin De La Cruz whose Spring ERA of 21.60 speaks for itself. He has only pitched in 1 2/3 innings thus far with the Dodgers at Camelback Ranch, but he’s allowed 4 earned runs on 3 hits with 3 walks and 5 strikeouts.

It isn’t necessarily the end of the line for these players who may end up within the Dodger minor league system, yet you have to wonder if any of these NRIs will be seen in a Dodger uniform ever again. The chances are pretty slim.

After cutting three infielders and with Hanley Ramirez, Luis Cruz, and Adrian Gonzalez participating in the World Baseball Classic, there will be more playing time for the remaining infielders. Dee Gordon, Elian Herrera, Justin Sellers, and the remaining non-roster players like Brian Barden, Omar Luna, and super utility guy Alfredo Amezaga will get some extra playing time.