The Dodgers claimed utilityman Travis Blankenhorn from the Twins Friday, and in a corresponding move transferred Dustin May to the 60-day injured list, the Dodgers reported in a news release.
Blankenhorn, 24, appeared in three games for Triple-A Rochester this season, batting .182 (2-for-11) with a double and one RBI. He made his Major League debut on September 15, 2020 at Chicago, recording a double in his last at bat of the game. He was originally drafted in the third round (80th overall) by the Twins in the 2015 First Year Player Draft out of Pottsville Area High School in Pennsylvania.
In parts of six minor league seasons, he batted a combined .257 (450-for-1753) with 88 doubles, 56 homers and 245 RBI. He was a Southern League All-Star in 2019 after batting .278 (108-for-388) with 18 homers and 51 games for the Pensacola Blue Wahoos.
In the minors, Blankenhorn has played first base, second, third, shortstop and left field, and is the prototypical player the Dodgers like to add for depth. Previous trade acquisitions that fit the mold included Chris Taylor and Kike Hernandez. Most recently the team has had Zach McKinstry in that position; however, he is currently on the injured list.
May is recovering from Tommy John surgery and is expected to miss the remainder of the 2021 season.
