Update: 2 Former Dodgers Cut By American League Squad

In this story:

The Detroit Tigers announced last week that they had released two former Los Angeles Dodgers players in infielder Eddys Leonard and right-hander Ricky Vanasco.

Leonard, who signed with the Dodgers in 2017, has spent the majority of his career in the Dodgers’ minor league system. The 24-year-old shortstop progressed through the minor leagues to Double-A Tulsa in 2023, where he slashed .254/.327/.411 with 89 hits, 37 runs, 11 home runs, and 44 RBIs.

The Dodgers designated Leonard for assignment in July 2023, and traded him shortly after to the Tigers for cash considerations.

After joining the Tigers’ minor league system, Leonard was promoted to Triple-A Toledo. Leonard slashed .302/.374/.530 with 45 hits, 30 runs, eight home runs, and 31 RBIs to close out the 2023 season.

In 2024, Leonard played for the Tigers’ Single-A and High-A affiliates before returning to Triple-A. He has yet to make his major league debut.

Vanasco was a former 15th-round pick by the Texas Rangers in the 2017 MLB Draft. The 26-year-old struggled through injuries during his time in the minor leagues. He missed the end of his rookie season because of a concussion, and was shut down the following season because of elbow inflammation. Vanasco additionally has undergone Tommy John surgery and surgery to repair a torn meniscus.

The Rangers ultimately designated Vanasco for assignment in May 2023, and traded him to the Dodgers a few days later for Luis Valdez.

Vanasco spent the rest of the 2023 season in the Dodgers’ minor league system and was promoted to Triple-A for the first time. He re-signed with the team on a one-year contract worth $900,000 after the 2023 season.

Vanasco began the 2024 season with Triple-A Oklahoma City, but was promoted to the major leagues for the first time in his career. He appeared in two games for the Dodgers and pitched a total of two innings, but allowed three hits and three earned runs for an ERA of 13.50. With Triple-A Oklahoma City during the 2024 season, Vanasco went 0-2 with a 4.24 ERA.

The Dodgers designated Vanasco for assignment in July 2024, and five days later traded him to the Tigers for cash considerations. He appeared in two major league games for the Dodgers, going 1-0 and not allowing any walks, hits, or earned runs.

Related Posts

Cubs Name Daniel Palencia Closer But Counsells Reason Stuns Reporters

IMAGE: Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell against the Los Angeles Dodgers during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. / Mark J. Rebilas / Imagn Images Daniel…

SF Giants Clash Over Bryce Eldridges Role Ahead of Spring Training

IMAGE: Imagn Images Bryce Eldridge and the Giants’ Big Decision: Patience or Promotion? As the San Francisco Giants gear up for spring training, one storyline looms larger…

Astros Scramble After Key Player Suffers Injury Playing Winter Ball

IMAGE: Imagn Images The Houston Astros are heading into spring with a red flag already waving behind the plate. Manager Joe Espada offered several injury updates this…

Cardinals Land Power Arm in One-for-One Trade With Nationals

IMAGE: Miami Marlins relief pitcher George Soriano (62) throws during the twelfth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. / Kevin Jairaj / Imagn Images…

Rangers Stir Rotation Debate With Bold Pitching Decision Looming

IMAGE: Imagn Images As spring training kicks off in Surprise, Arizona, the Rangers find themselves in a position most teams would envy: too many arms, not enough…

Red Sox Shake Up Plans and Leave Marcelo Mayer in Limbo

IMAGE: Imagn Images The Boston Red Sox are heading into spring training with more questions than answers around the infield – and now, second and third base…