The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired another valuable piece, trading for former All-Star outfielder Curtis Granderson from the New York Mets for cash and a player to be named. The 36-year-old Granderson will provide another lefty hitter to the Dodgers, who are currently leading the National League West. After a slow start, Granderson is now hitting .273 with 17 home runs and a .979 OPS since May 10. This season, Granderson is averaging .228 with 19 homers and 52 RBIs. Granderson’s .979 OPS ranks 10th in MLB during that period.
Granderson has chance to win World Series
With the Dodgers, Granderson has a chance to win a World Series ring that eluded him despite making it to the postseason with the Detroit Tigers, New York Yankees and the Mets. The Mets made it to the World Series in 2015 where Granderson hit three homers, but they lost to the Kansas City Royals in five games. Granderson thanked the Mets organization and praised his teammates for the wonderful four years with the team. The veteran outfielder is also excited about the opportunity to play in the postseason with the Dodgers, who improved their MLB-best record to 86-34 after beating the Tigers, 8-5, Friday. Granderson, who cleared revocable waiver recently, will earn $15 million in the final year of his contract before he hits the open market this winter.
A 13-year veteran, Granderson played six seasons for the Tigers and four each with the Yankees and the Mets. In 1,760 career games, Granderson tallied 1,641 hits, 312 homers, and 853 RBIs. He also played 51 career postseason games, garnering 45 hits, nine homers, and 29 RBIs. He was a three-time All-Star in 2009, 2011 and 2012 with the Tigers and Yankees.
Dodgers beat Tigers at Comerica Park
The Dodgers hit six doubles, two by shortstop Chris Taylor, en route to an 8-5 win over the Tigers Friday at Comerica Park. With the win, the Dodgers improved their record to 52 games above .500 after winning 20 of their last 23 outings. Rich Hill (9-4) tossed five innings of three-run ball, allowing six hits with three walks and five strikeouts, Taylor finished with four hits and two RBIs while designated hitter Kyle Seager drove in three runs for the Dodgers.
Tigers starter Jordan Zimmerman (7-10) lasted 5 1/3 frames after giving up seven runs on ten hits with two walks and five strikeouts as the Tigers lost 11 of their last 15 games, falling 15 games below .500 for the first time since September 24, 2008. Justin Upton homered twice and finished with four hits and two RBIs for the Tigers.
