The Los Angeles Dodgers made a flurry of roster moves Friday afternoon, including optioning centerfielder James Outman to the minor leagues.
The Dodgers also announced they activated Jason Heyward from the injured list, recalled Miguel Vargas and Ricky Vanasco, optioned Nick Ramirez and placed Max Muncy on the IL with a right oblique strain.
Outman has struggled offensively all season, slashing .147/.250/.266 in 36 games. He has a -0.5 WAR, according to Baseball Reference. When Outman does make contact, he only has a 37.7% hard-hit rate, which is in the 39th percentile of all hitters, per Baseball Savant.
As for returning veteran Heyward, the former top prospect had played in only four games this season before going on the IL with lower back tightness. In total, he missed 40 contests. The outfielder hit a respectable .269/.340/.473 with 15 homers and 40 RBI across 334 at-bats with the Dodgers last summer.
While Heyward will be reentering the fray, the Dodgers figure to feel the loss of Muncy’s bat in the middle of their lineup, particularly against right-handed pitchers. Muncy has a .846 OPS in 102 at-bats against righties. The Dodgers hope it will only be a 10-day stay on the injured list.