LA Dodgers Call Up Former Cy Young Candidate

There was a time when he looked like a top of the rotation ace, and even finished fourth in the balloting for the Cy Young Award in 2020. But things haven't gone well for Dinelson Lamet in the years since. Now, he's getting another shot in the big leagues, this time with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Source: The Dodgers are calling up right-hander Dinelson Lamet.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) April 1, 2024

The Dodgers had signed Lamet to a minor league contract at the beginning of spring training, and while he was unable to crack the Dodgers' Opening Day lineup, he showed well in the Cactus League, with five strikeouts over 3.2 innings while allowing two runs (one earned) on three hits and one walk.

Lamet had a 2.09 ERA in 2020 for the San Diego Padres, with a 0.85 WHIP and 12.1 strikeouts per nine innings. His top-4 performace in the Cy Young balloting unfortunately didn't carry over to the following season, as he was unable to find the plate, and he put up a 4.40 ERA and a 1.49 WHIP. Things got even worse in 2022 and 2023, as he recorded a 6.12 ERA followed by an 11.71 mark last year for the Colorado Rockies and Boston Red Sox.

But still just 31, the Dominican right-hander who was once one of the more electric starters in the game is getting one more chance to regain his form, this time with the Dodgers, in the bullpen. This is a team that's been known to work its magic with pitchers in the past. Lamet will be hoping for more of the same.

Photo: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports