The Dodgers and Atlanta Braves are discussing a trade that would send Juan Uribe to the Atlanta Braves for Alberto Callaspo, according to multiple reports Tuesday morning:
Sources: #Dodgers talking to #Braves about trade that would send Uribe to ATL for Callaspo. Lesser names also involved.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) May 26, 2015
Can confirm @Ken_Rosenthal's report that the #Braves and #Dodgers are talking about a trade involving Juan Uribe and Alberto Callaspo
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) May 26, 2015
Dodgers and braves have deal of uribe for callaspo. Lesser names also in. @Ken_rosenthal 1st, says callaspo could reject
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) May 26, 2015
#Braves & #Dodgers were close to finalizing trade involving Callaspo & JUribe last night, as @Ken_Rosenthal reported, but not sure thing now
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienAJC) May 26, 2015
Update (9:45 a.m.): Callaspo apparently rejected the trade:
Sources: Callaspo rejected trade. Had right under CBA to say no to any deal before June 15 as a free agent who signed last off-season.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) May 26, 2015
Callaspo, 32, was scratched from the lineup prior to the Dodgers’ 6-3 win over the Braves yesterday at Dodger Stadium — reportedly because he was about to be traded. He’s played third base and second base this season for the Braves, slashing .206/.293/.545.
Uribe, 36, plays exclusively third base for the Dodgers and has been surpassed on the depth chart by Alex Guerrero and Justin Turner. Including Monday, he’s started just three of the past 15 games.
In 29 games this season, Uribe has a .247/.287/.309 slash line. In six plate appearances off the bench, Uribe has three singles and drawn a walk.
“It’s a tough situation,” Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said Monday. “It’s hard to talk about a lot because Alex comes off the bench tonight, Juan comes off the bench, JT’s playing — there’s only so many spots in the order and those guys pretty much play the same position for the most part.”
Callaspo offers more versatility on defense than Uribe and also comes at a cheaper price — $3 million compared to $7.5 million. Both players will become free agents at the end of the season.
Neither Uribe nor Callaspo would be part of the Dodgers’ long-term plans, since second baseman/third baseman Hector Olivera is expected to arrive at some point this season. Olivera, whose six-year, $62.5 million contract recently became official, is currently working out at the Dodgers’ extended spring training facility in Glendale, Arizona.
Money could be the key factor here. Callaspo’s salary would be easier for the Dodgers to swallow than Uribe’s — if he is traded or designated for assignment — once Olivera is ready.