The Los Angeles Dodgers are adjusting their pitching staff for the stretch run of the season and in the process have re-signed right-hander Matt Sauer to a minor league contract. The organization is looking for bullpen depth after the ups and downs the team has suffered in that area throughout the campaign.
Sauer, who was released in early September after being designated for assignment, returns to the Angels’ system without taking up a spot on the 40-man roster. Although his return does not guarantee immediate participation in the big league team, it does represent an opportunity to show himself again in an environment he already knows.
Who is Matt Sauer? The former Yankees prospect looking to make a comeback with the Dodgers
Matt Sauer, 26, was drafted by the New York Yankees in the second round of the 2017 MLB Draft, but his path to the majors was long and fraught with obstacles. He did not make his debut with the New York team and ended up joining the Kansas City Royals via the Rule 5 draft.
With Kansas City, he finally made his debut in 2024, but his time on the mound was not as expected. In 14 appearances, he posted a 7.71 ERA in just 16.1 innings pitched. After being released in May, he returned briefly to the Yankees before signing with the Dodgers in the spring of 2025.
Can Sauer help the Dodgers in the postseason? Analysis of his recent performance
During his time in the minors this season, Sauer had mixed numbers. While his 5.86 ERA in 18 appearances does not stand out, his ability to generate strikeouts with 79 in that period and an acceptable walk rate of 6.2% show redeemable aspects in his profile.
In his brief stint in MLB with the Dodgers in 2025, the right-hander had 10 appearances and posted a 6.37 ERA in 29.2 innings. Although he did not establish himself as a key piece in the bullpen, his control over hard hits and his youth make him an interesting arm to evaluate for next year.
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