Dodgers acquire Colt Hynes from Indians for Duke Von Schamann

LOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers on Sunday acquired left-handed pitcher Colt Hynes from the Indians for minor league pitcher Duke Von Schamann. To make room on the 40-man roster, outfielder Mike Baxter was designated for assignment.

The Dodgers optioned Hynes to Triple-A Albuquerque, who had Daniel Moskos as the only southpaw on the entire pitching staff prior to this trade.

Hynes, 28, spent his seven minor league seasons with the Padres after getting drafted in the 31st round of the 2007 draft out of Texas Tech. He put up a 1.52 ERA in 41 games between Double-A San Antonio and Triple-A Tucson in 2013, with a crazy 58 strikeouts against only two walks.

He also pitched in 22 games in relief for San Diego, putting up a 9.00 ERA, 13 strikeouts and nine walks in 17 innings. Hynes faced the Dodgers three times in 2013 and retired all five batters he faced.

"He's got a fastball, slider, change," said manager Don Mattingly. "We saw him a little bit with San Diego."

The Indians acquired Hynes from the Padres for cash on Oct. 31, and he spent all of spring training this season in Goodyear with Cleveland. Hynes was designated for assignment by the Indians on Sunday as they finalized their Opening Day roster.

Hynes started 21 games in Triple-A in 2012 but has otherwise been used solely in relief in his seven minor league seasons. The Dodgers plan to use Hynes in relief.

"He's on the 40-man, so he's a guy we can use," Mattingly said.

Von Schamann, who turns 23 in June, pitched seven scoreless innings for Double-A Chattanooga in his 2014 debut on Friday. The right-hander was drafted by the Dodgers in the 15th round in 2012, like Hynes also out of Texas Tech. Von Schamann was rated the consensus 26th-best prospect in the Dodgers system, per a compilation by Beyond the Box Score.

Traded to the Cleveland Indians today! Thankful for everything the Dodgers did for me! Excited to join my new team the @AkronRubberDuck!

— Duke von Schamann (@DVS015) April 6, 2014

Baxter, who was claimed off waivers from the Mets in October, was just optioned to Triple-A on Friday when Matt Kemp was activated from the disabled list. Baxter was 0-for-7 with a walk in his four games, including one start in left field. The team will have 10 days to trade, waive or release Baxter, who avoided salary arbitration in November with a one-year, $700,000 contract.