Dodgers sign veteran OF to minor league contract

Veteran outfielder David Dahl has signed a minor league deal with the Dodgers, according to Triple-A communications director Alex Freedman (Twitter link). He’s joining their top affiliate in Oklahoma City.

It’s the third career NL West organization for Dahl. He’s best known for his time with the Rockies, where he flashed middle-of-the-order potential and was nominated to the 2019 All-Star Game. 

Injuries derailed his Colorado tenure, though, and Dahl hasn’t gotten much of a big league look since hitting .210/.247/.322 in 63 games for the 2021 Rangers.

After splitting the ’22 campaign between a handful of Triple-A clubs, Dahl returned to the majors this season. He broke camp with the Padres after an offseason non-roster contract. 

He got into four MLB games before a quad strain sent him to the injured list. After he returned, he was optioned to Triple-A. Dahl hit .265/.342/.382 in 17 games there before being designated for assignment two weeks ago.

Upon clearing waivers, Dahl tested minor league free agency. He finds a new landing spot with the Dodgers, where he’ll try to hit his way back to the big league level. 

Los Angeles has Jason Heyward and rookie Jonny DeLuca backing up their starting outfield of Mookie Betts, James Outman and David Peralta for the moment. 

Dahl joins Kole Calhoun as a veteran depth option in Triple-A. Steven Duggar is also on the OKC roster but he has been on the injured list since June 9.