The Dodgers are calling up top MLB prospect Corey Seager, CBS Sports reported Thursday morning. The 21-year-old infielder won't be an everyday player for the National League West leaders, but he should see some action after Kike Hernandez landed on the disabled list earlier this week.
Many expect Seager to be the Dodgers' regular shortstop next season, but he also has played some third base in the minors this season. He's hitting .292/.343/.486 with 36 doubles, 18 home runs and 74 RBIs in 124 games in Double-A and Triple-A this year.
Seager entered the season as Baseball America's No. 5 overall prospect but ascended to No. 1 by midseason after an early wave of promotions to the big leagues.
Dodgers brass had been noncommittal about bringing up Seager after rosters expanded Sept. 1. Speaking generally to the Orange County Register earlier this week, president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said the team would have to ensure any September call-up benefits from the move.
“We’re not going to bring guys up just to bring guys up,” Friedman said. “It’s not that I don’t (believe in the value of that). It’s just that when you’re in a pennant race it’s much more about what’s going on in that moment. I think there’s ways to give guys some experience and be around and experience things in a different way. But clubhouses on the road are crowded, and it’s just something that we want the guys who are actively participating and helping us win the division.
“With all these guys it’s a conversation and a debate about guys we think really have the potential to be a difference-maker. … If we don’t think guys are quite ready yet, it can be harmful to development.”
