Dodgers Team News

Dodgers News: Chone Figgins Scheduled To Make Trip To Australia

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Heading into Spring Training, the Los Angeles Dodgers were expected to have Cuban infielder Alex Guerrero as their starting second baseman. Signed to a four-year, $28 million contract in October, the 27-year-old was making the transition from shortstop to second base, but an injury in winter ball put him behind schedule.

Because of this, the Dodgers signed former Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and Seattle Mariners infielder Chone Figgins to a minor league deal for infield depth. In camp, the 36-year-old has played just about every position and due to his versatility, he’s scheduled to take the flight to Australia according to Dylan Hernandez of the LA Times:




At this point, it seems the Dodgers will let Guerrero get seasoning in the minor leagues, opening a roster spot for Figgins. In 15 games this spring, he’s hitting a measly .171, but his nine walks lead the team while he has a decent .333 OBP. With the loss of Skip Schumaker, who also can play most places around the diamond, it’s no real surprise he’s on the flight to Australia.

While Dee Gordon hasn’t officially been named the starting second, it seems the coaching staff is leaning toward starting him while Justin Turner could also see some time in a platoon situation. Not to mention, Carl Crawford will miss the two-game series due to the impending birth of his son and Figgins could also play left field.

Signed to a huge contract after his All-Star 2009 season, Figgins was released by the Mariners after the 2012 season and after heading to camp with the Miami Marlins last season, he didn’t play in 2013 after being released. Wanting to show teams he still had the passion for the game, Figgins held a workout in Tampa Bay before signing a minor league deal with the Dodgers.

Expect Figgins, Scott Van Slyke, Mike Baxter, Tim Federowicz and Justin Turner to make up the Dodgers bench on the trip to Australia.

UPDATE: The Dodgers announced the roster move to get Figgins onto the roster:

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Ross Gasmer

Ross Gasmer is a Social Media Producer for @TheHerd and was a contributing writer and editor for Dodger Nation. Follow him on Twitter @Ross_Gasmer12

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