Dodgers: Surprise September call-ups that could have an impact
By Jason Reed
LHP Manny Banuelos
While Manny Banuelos may not be on the 40-man roster and technically would be a surprise September call-up but he is sure to be the first man off the 40-man roster to be called up during September. With several different pitchers on the DL on the 40-man roster, the Dodgers can easily make room to bring up the AAA ace.
Banuelos has had a very long minor league career that has spanned nearly 800 innings pitched across four teams; the New York Yankees, Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Angels and now the Los Angeles Dodgers. Banuelos does have 26.1 MLB innings under his belt but also has not pitched in the MLB since 2015.
Banuelos has been great for the Oklahoma City Dodgers this season and was named to the 2018 All-PCL team. Banuelos leads the OKC Dodgers in innings pitched (105.1) while posting a 3.59 ERA.
With a need for left-handed pitching in the bullpen, Banuelos could be a huge help that could easily earn a playoff spot, especially if someone in the bullpen collapses.
Not giving the 27-year-old left-handed pitcher a shot at the big leagues in September would be a shame.