Dodgers surprisingly DFA productive reliever with 2.28 ERA this season

The Los Angeles Dodgers pitching staff has been a hectic carousel all season, and on Sunday, that carousel kept on spinning.

Whether it has been injuries, marquee additions, or struggling players shipped out, nothing has been consistent about the formula for Dave Roberts and his pitching staff. That has forced the Dodgers to take their fair share of chances on high-risk arms from outside the organization.

One of those arms seemed to be on his way to a career resurgence with Los Angeles. But that story was abruptly cut short by a surprise roster move.

Brent Honeywell, who pitched in 10 games for the Dodgers this summer after being claimed off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates, was designated for assignment on Sunday. The Dodgers announced the move via X.

Honeywell was shipped out to make room for rookie right-hander Ben Casparius, a 25-year-old starter with a 3.48 ERA in the minor leagues this season who has yet to debut in the big leagues.

It has been a rough go in professional baseball for Honeywell, who was formerly a Top 100 prospect with the Tampa Bay Rays. Drafted with the 72nd pick of the 2014 draft, a slough of arm injuries set Honeywell back several years and eventually ended his hopes of becoming a starting pitcher.

However, Honeywell was very effective as a reliever this season, though some peripheral stats suggested regression could be in order. He posted a 2.28 ERA across 23 2/3 innings with Pittsburgh and Los Angeles.

Honeywell's signature screwball makes him uniquely dominant against left-handed batters, who have batted just .205 against the 29-year-old this year.

The life of a major league journeyman is unforgiving, but Honeywell figures to get another shot elsewhere. The Dodgers may have helped him prolong his career, but now they must hope cutting him loose doesn't come back to haunt them.

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