The Los Angeles Dodgers have signed former Pottsville Area High School graduate Travis Blankenhorn to a contract, claiming him off waivers from the Minnesota Twins.
On Friday, the Dodgers added Blankenhorn to their 40-man roster after injuries severely depleted their squad. According to sources that regularly cover the Dodgers, the team covets players who can play several positions right now, something Blankenhorn has done often during his short professional career.
The Dodgers claimed IF/OF Travis Blankenhorn from the Minnesota Twins and transferred RHP Dustin May to the 60-day injured list.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) May 14, 2021
Recently, the Dodgers placed pitcher Dustin May on the 60-day Injured List and they’re expected to do the same with infielder Edwin Rios. MLBTradeRumors reports that Zach McKinstry has also been injured for about a month for the Dodgers.
Blankenhorn appeared in 1 game this season for Minnesota, coming in as a baserunner on second in an extra inning in which he scored. Last season, Blankenhorn made his debut with the Twins, also appearing in just 1 game in which he went 1-for-3 with a double.
He had been at the Twins alternate training site before being sent to St. Paul, Minnesota’s Triple-A affiliate. He appeared in 3 games, going 2-for-11 with a double a run scored.
Friday’s signing with the Dodgers certainly puts Blankenhorn in a different situation. The Twins are near the bottom of the AL Central while the Dodgers are currently 20-17 in a tough NL West. LA won the World Series in 2020.