The Dodgers added outfielder Jamie Hoffmann to the 40-man roster on Friday, protecting him from the upcoming Rule 5 draft. Hoffmann was selected by the Nationals in last year's Rule 5 draft, then traded to the Yankees to complete an earlier trade for reliever Brian Bruney. Hoffmann was returned to the Dodgers in spring training this season, and spent the season in Triple A.
Hoffmann, who turned 26 in August, saw time in the majors in 2009, filling in for the injured Xavier Paul during the 50-game suspension of Manny Ramirez. Hoffman had little time to adjust to the show, but collected four hits in 22 at-bats, including two doubles and one home run, hitting .182/.167/.409 in 14 games. He hit .284/.360/.455 with the Isotopes in 2009, and hit .310/.369/.431 with the Isotopes in 2010, although his plate discipline waned this year:
| Jamie Hoffmann in Triple A | |||
| Year | PA | BB% | K% |
| 2009 | 293 | 10.9% | 12.6% |
| 2010 | 608 | 7.1% | 16.1% |
At the very least, Hoffmann will avoid joining Shane Victorino, who was selected from the Dodgers in both the 2002 and 2004 Rule 5 drafts. Hoffmann is probably the best defensive outfielder currently on the 40-man roster, which now has 34 players. In fact, as of now Hoffmann is one of only three right-handed-hitting outfielders on the 40-man roster, joining Matt Kemp and Trayvon Robinson, who is a switch hitter.