'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Despite the fact that the 2024 MLB season is in its infancy, reliever Matt Gage has already seen plenty of movement this year. Now, it looks as though Gage has some clarity regarding his immediate baseball future.
As per MLB analyst, the Los Angeles Dodgers inked Gage to a minor-league contract for an undisclosed amount. While the 31-year old has never thrown a pitch for the Dodgers, Gage was a notional member of the team from Feb. 5 until Apr. 2.
Trending
"Lefty reliever Matt Gage is back with the Dodgers. Re-signs with them on minors deal" - Jon Heyman
News of the deal comes just four days after the Dodgers released him. Previously, he was claimed off of waivers from the New York Yankees on Feb. 5.
Although he was originally slated to start 2024 in Triple-A Oklahoma City, the Dodgers released him from the organization before he could appear in a game for their affiliate.
A 10th-round draft pick in 2014, Matt Gage made his MLB debut for the Toronto Blue Jays, holding a 1.38 ERA through 11 starts before he was placed on waivers the following offseason.
Ahead of the 2023 season, Gage was picked up by the Houston Astros. In 2023, the New York State-native pitched just 6.2 innings in MLB, with most of his plays occuring in Triple-A.
"Here's Matt Gage#s (MattGage91)'s 's strikeout from this evening #BlueJays #NextLevel" - Brennan Delaney
After the Astros acquired closer Josh Hader, locking the esteemed reliever down to a five-year, $95 million deal, the need for Matt Gage in the Astros' bullpen became redundant.
Although he may not necessarily see any more playing time this season, at least the six-foot-three left-hander has a starting point.
MLB regularity remains a hurdle for Matt Gage
As a result of the acquisition, the Los Angeles Dodgers have a week to trade Gage, release him or put forth an attempt to pass him to outright waivers.
As the reliever has not been outrighted in the past and doesn't have at least three years of MLB experience, it's likely that he will land in Triple-A Oklahoma City after clearing waivers.
Blessed with one of the best hitting machines in the league, the Dodgers also boast incredible pitching. As such, Gage's path to everyday MLB status is not likely to be a straight or easy trajectory.
