White Cleat Beat
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Oakland A’s send Sheldon Neuse to Los Angeles Dodgers

By David Hill

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 30: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Sheldon Neuse #64 of the Oakland Athletics in action against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on August 30, 2019 in New York City. The A's defeated the Yankees 8-2. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 30: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Sheldon Neuse #64 of the Oakland Athletics in action against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on August 30, 2019 in New York City. The A's defeated the Yankees 8-2. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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Sheldon Neuse never seemed to be able to find a role with the Oakland A’s. Despite potential a potential opening at second base last year, Neuse was never truly considered, even though Tony Kemp and Chad Pinder struggled. He appeared to be in the same position this year, where there was an opening at second, but he remained an afterthought.

On Friday, Neuse may have finally gotten his chance to establish himself in the majors. He was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers, along with Gus Varland, for Adam Kolarek and Cody Thomas.

Sheldon Neuse gets chance he could not with Oakland A’s

Neuse had held his own during his brief stint with the A’s in 2019. He produced a respectable enough .250/.295/.304 batting line in his 61 plate appearances, although his 31.2% strikeout rate was concerning. However, he did acquit himself well defensively, saving two runs at third and a run at second in his limited time.

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He does have a solid track record at AAA. In 1097 plate appearances at AAA, Neuse has posted a .290/.348/.453 batting line, hitting 32 homers and 57 doubles. He had also displayed his versatility on defense in the Pacific Coast League as well, appearing at second ,third, short, and left.

The Dodgers do have an opening for a utility player. Kike Hernandez had filled that role for years, but he has departed for Boston. While he does not provide the same versatility that Hernandez had, Neuse’s ability to play around the infield, and potentially in left, does give Los Angeles plenty of options.

That versatility can also serve as Neuse’s ticket to the majors. In theory, it should have been during his time with the A’s, but he was somewhat redundant given how many utility types are on the roster. And yet, even as they struggled, and with expanded rosters in 2020, he was unable to get a second look.

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Sheldon Neuse should get that second look now. It is just going to come with the Los Angeles Dodgers.