Dodgers News: Michael Morse Traded To Pittsburgh Pirates
UPDATE (July 31, 4:00 p.m. PT): The Los Angeles Dodgers officially announced their trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates, sending outfielder Michael Morse and cash considerations in exchange for outfielder Jose Tabata.
[divide]The Los Angeles Dodgers made waves Wednesday with word they were nearing completion of a trade with the Miami Marlins that would help them address their starting pitching need in the form of Mat Latos.
That quickly evolved to a three-team trade that included the Atlanta Braves, and finished as a 13-player deal. Among those shipped to Los Angeles was outfielder Michael Morse, who was in the midst of a down season with the Marlins.
Where Morse fit in with the Dodgers wasn’t clear, though the answer came when he was one of four players designated for assignment Thursday afternoon. While the Dodgers didn’t complete any major deadline-day trades for any of the pitchers they were said to be in pursuit of, Morse was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Jose Tabata, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports:
michael morse went with cash to pirates for jose tabata
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) July 31, 2015
After batting .279/.336/.475 with the San Francisco Giants last season, Morse signed a two-year, $16 million contract with the Marlins. Through 53 games this season he’s batting .213/.276/.313 with four home runs and 12 RBIs.
Tabata was recently designated for assignment, cleared waivers earlier in the week and was outrighted to Triple-A Indianapolis on June 30. The 26-year-old outfielder appeared in 27 games for the Pirates this season and hit .289/.341/.289. He’s arguably most known for leaning into a pitch that ended Max Scherzer’s perfect game.
Given that Tabata was removed from a 40-man roster, the Dodgers are not required to make a corresponding move on their 40-man roster. While this was their only trade of the day, Los Angeles needs to clear four spots on the active roster for Luis Avilan, Jim Johnson, Latos and Wood.
[divide]Don Mattingly On Yasiel Puig Trade Rumors
Michael Morse, it was an honor having you on the team. You made a profound impact on every player and you were just a great Dodger. You will be missed