As expected, the Dodgers have officially released Marcus Thames after designating him for assignment last week to make room on the roster for Juan Rivera.
Thames was already a very limited player even when healthy and a strained calf kept him from being able to consistently play left field for the Dodgers, which along with struggles at the plate made him next to useless.
However, if he can get over the calf issues Thames could still potentially bring some value to a contending team as a part-time outfielder or designated hitter. He strikes out a ton, can’t hit right-handed pitching, and doesn’t catch much in left field, but Thames has a .496 slugging percentage and 46 homers in 786 career at-bats versus left-handed pitching.
For the cost of a minor-league deal it’d be worth it for several teams to see if he can get healthy and hit his way back to the majors in a platoon role.