Dodgers Call Up New Infielder Taylor, DFA Starting Pitcher After 1 Game

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) —   The Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday called up newly-acquired utility infielder Chris Taylor from Triple-A Oklahoma City and DFA'd right-handed pitcher Nick Tepesch who started last night's game.

Taylor -- acquired from the Seattle Mariners on June 19 --  was batting .500 (6-for-12) with three runs scored, three doubles and three RBI, including hitting safely in all three games for Triple-A Oklahoma City.

The 25-year-old hit .312 with 41 runs, 19 doubles, four triples, three home runs, 29 RBI and 12 stolen bases in 63 games with Triple-A Tacoma , including a .414 mark with runners in scoring position (24-for-58), prior to being traded to Los Angeles.

Taylor played in two games with the Mariners this year, going 1-for-3, and appeared in 86 big league games in three seasons with the Mariners from 2014-16, batting .240 with 11 doubles, a triple and 10 RBI. In the Majors, Taylor appeared in 76 games (66 starts) at shortstop, four games (two starts) at second base and one game at third base.

The Los Angeles Dodgers Friday selected the contract of 27-year-old Tepesch from Triple-A Oklahoma City allowing him to start that evening's game against the Pirates.

Tepesch (0-1) gave up five runs and seven hits in just four innings. He struck out three and didn't walk a batter.

His being DFA'd wasn't the only quick move the Dodgers made this week. They also DFA'd venerable outfielder Will Venable just ten days after signing him. After clearing waivers, the Dodgers announced that Venable has agreed to a minor league contract with Oklahoma City.