Photo Credit: Matt Slocum/Associated Press
The Dodgers, Rays, and Phillies completed a three-team trade Tuesday which sent left-handed reliever José Alvarado from Tampa Bay to Philadelphia, left-handed reliever Garrett Cleavinger from Philadelphia to Los Angeles and first baseman Dillon Paulson and either a PTBNL or cash considerations from Los Angeles to Tampa Bay.
Cleavinger has been added to the Dodgers’ 40-man roster.
The Dodgers acquired LHP Garrett Cleavinger from the Phillies in a three-way deal with Tampa Bay and Philadelphia. The Dodgers are sending minor league INF Dillon Paulson and a player to be named later or cash considerations to TB. Rays will send LHP José Alvarado to PHI.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) December 29, 2020
Cleavinger, who turns 27 in April, was drafted by the Orioles in the 3rd round of the 2015 Draft out of the University of Oregon. He spent roughly two-and-a-half years in the Orioles farm system before being dealt to the Phillies along with outfielder Hyun Soo Kim and international bonus slot money for right-handed starter Jeremy Hellickson in July of 2017. He has been with the Phillies organization since.
Cleavinger made his major league debut in 2020, facing four batters in his lone appearance, allowing a run on two hits, including a solo home run by Robinson Cano.
He has two option years remaining, having used an option in 2020. He is not arbitration-eligible until 2024 and is under team control until 2027.
As for the player given up by the Dodgers, Paulson is a first-base prospect headed to the Rays. The 23-year-old was drafted in the 13th round out of USC in 2018 and hit .243/.366/.433 with 16 home runs between Single-A Great Lakes and Single-A Rancho Cucamonga in 2019.
With the addition of Cleavinger the Dodgers’ 40-man roster now currently sits at 38. This number does not include right-handed reliever Tommy Kahnle whose signing has not yet officially been announced.