When the Los Angeles Dodgers traded for Mat Latos they didn't expect the right-hander to have a 6.66 ERA in his first six games with the team, nor did the Toronto Blue Jays expect Troy Tulowitzki to crack his shoulder blade just over a month after surrendering some top prospects for him.
But now each MLB club will have to deal with some setbacks and changes.
After moving Latos out of the starting rotation, the Dodgers designated the veteran for assignment on Thursday, according to Jeff Passan of Yahoo! Sports. The team confirmed the move shortly after Passan's report.
The Dodgers have reinstated Carlos Frias from the 60-day disabled list and designated Mat Latos for assignment.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 18, 2015
Latos was acquired prior to the non-waiver trade deadline in the 13-player deal between the Dodgers, Atlanta Braves and Miami Marlins. Los Angeles got Latos, Michael Morse, Jim Johnson, Luis Avilan, Alex Wood, Bronson Arroyo and Jose Peraza in the deal and sent three prospects to the Marlins as well as reliever Paco Rodriguez, prospect third baseman Hector Olivera and prospect pitcher Zachary Bird to the Braves.
The Dodgers believed Latos would be an addition to their struggling starting rotation (beyond Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke), but he proved that was not the case after going 0-3 with a 6.66 ERA and 1.52 WHIP in six games (five starts).
As for Toronto, they made the most electrifying deadline moves perhaps in MLB history. One of those acquisitions was shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, who has been an instrumental figure on the team despite batting only .232/.314/.368 with 30 runs scored, 5 home runs and 17 RBIs in his first 39 games.
The veteran suffered a cracked shoulder blade and bruised upper back muscles last weekend when he collided with outfielder Kevin Pillar. It was originally said Tulo would miss 2-3, but the Blue Jays could have more information regarding his timetable for return very soon.
"Shortstop Troy Tulowitzki has temporarily left the team to visit a specialist about the crack in his shoulder blade, and the Blue Jays hope to have a better idea about a return date in the coming days," Gregor Chisholm of MLB.com wrote yesterday.
"Doctors had to wait for swelling in the area to subside before they could get a better read on the healing process and possible damage done to some muscles in the same area. The specialist should be able to determine that and provide a more defined rehab schedule."
The Blue Jays hope they can at least have him back for the postseason, but nothing is guaranteed at this point.
Stay tuned for updates.
