The Padres were by far the busiest team at the trade deadline, landing several star players and other key contributors in hopes of speeding up the process and finally becoming legitimate World Series contenders. But with all the fresh faces that arrived, many others had to say their goodbyes. One of those looking for a new home is Dinelson Lamet, who was shipped to Milwaukee in the deal that netted the Padres Josh Hader and was soon after designated for assignment.
Plot twist in the Josh Hader trade: The Brewers have DFA’d Dinelson Lamet. Here is David Stearns’ initial explanation. pic.twitter.com/X9XiJJQlLa
— Adam McCalvy (@AdamMcCalvy) August 3, 2022
During the COVID shortened 2020 season, Lamet took the league by storm, posting a 2.09 ERA and finishing fourth in the NL Cy Young race. It looked liked he was going to be a force to be reckoned with for years to come, featuring a high-90s sinker that quickly became regarded as one of the nastiest pitches in baseball.
Unfortunately, injuries hampered Lamet in 2021. He was able to avoid Tommy John surgery but was limited to just 22 appearances, only nine of which were starts. Despite that, Lamet was still decently productive, boasting a 4.40 ERA and 3.94 FIP.
2022 has been a different story, though. Lamet has pitched in 13 games this season out of the bullpen and owns an atrocious 9.49 ERA and 2.027 WHIP, which is why he was traded and eventually waived by Milwaukee.
But like Brewers GM David Stearns said in the quote above, Lamet is still 29-years-old with a live arm that could eventually regain his form and be a valuable piece to a club. For roster purposes, the Brewers had to make the tough decision of releasing him, but I would be shocked if another team didn’t take a chance on him, and Atlanta should be interested.
Unfortunately, I don’t see the Braves having room for Lamet either. Their pitching staff is already stacked, and they have Kirby Yates very close to a return as well. If this had happened before the trades for Raisel Iglesias and Jake Odorizzi, I could have seen Alex Anthopoulos taking a shot on him, but now, the Braves roster is completely full as far as pitchers are concerned.
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Photo: Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire
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