Los Angeles Dodgers promote Corey Seager to major leagues

Ending weeks of speculation and conjecture, the Los Angeles Dodgers have promoted top prospect Corey Seager to the major leagues. Further moves will need to be made in order to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for him.

Minor League Ball's Wayne Cavadi broke down the pros and cons of promoting Seager yesterday. Getting Seager into the lineup down the stretch should not be excessively difficult, as the Dodgers hope to give shortstop Jimmy Rollins and third baseman Justin Turner frequent rest in September to keep them fresh for the post-season. The Dodgers have soured on Alex Guerrero while Jose Peraza and Kike Hernandez are both suffering from hamstring trouble. Seager may not play every day, but he's also not likely to just rot on the bench and should see action at both shortstop and third base.

The younger brother of Mariners third baseman Kyle Seager, Corey was drafted by the Dodgers in the first round in 2012 from high school in Concord, North Carolina. He's thrived at every level, hitting .307/.368/.523 in 390 minor league games including a composite .293/.344/.487 mark in 125 games this year for Double-A Tulsa and Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Seager features above-average power from the left side of the plate. Although he doesn't draw large numbers of walks, his sense for the strike zone is considered sound and he doesn't strike out much for a young hitter with power, just 76 times in 501 at-bats this year. He isn't especially fast or dangerous on the bases, but his quick reactions and strong instincts make him a decent defensive shortstop despite his 6-4, 215 pound build. Pacific Coast League observers report that he looked excellent at third base during occasional hot corner action this year.

As with all young players there could be some growing pains, but Seager has little left to prove in the minors. It is time to see what he can do.