Dodgers trade outfielder Kyle Garlick to the Phillies

Kyle Garlick (Google Images)

The Los Angeles Dodgers traded outfielder Kyle Garlick of La Habra, California to the Philadelphia Phillies for lefthanded pitching prospect Tyler Gilbert of Santa Cruz, California on Sunday. Garlick was a rookie for the Dodgers in 2019.

Garlick played 30 games for Los Angeles last season. In 48 at bats, he had three home runs and six runs batted in. During 53 plate appearances, Garlick scored eight runs, had 12 hits, four doubles, five walks and 25 total bases. He had an on base percentage of .321 and a slugging percentage of .521.

In limited action on a Dodgers team with a loaded offense, one might think that Garlick may have a better chance of getting more playing time in Philadelphia than Los Angeles. However, he is still slated as a reserve right fielder behind Bryce Harper. Unless Harper suffers a serious injury, there is no chance Garlick gets any significant time in right field for Philadelphia anytime soon. Garlick has a better chance of getting the odd start in left field where Andrew McCutchen is or center field where Adam Haseley is. Garlick will also be battling slugger Jay Bruce for backup playing time as well.

Garlick’s first two Major League Baseball home runs last year came against the San Francisco Giants on back-to-back nights at Dodger Stadium. The first was a leadoff solo shot in the second inning off of Giants pitcher Drew Pomeranz in a 9-2 Dodgers win over the Giants on June 19, 2019. The second was a two-run home run off of Giants starting pitcher Madison Bumgarner in the fourth inning that also scored Chris Taylor in a 9-8 Dodgers win on June 20, 2019.