Dodgers activate Billy McKinney, option Zach Reks to Triple-A Oklahoma City

The Dodgers on Thursday added Billy McKinney to the active roster, one day after acquiring the outfielder in a trade with the Mets. He joins his third major league team of 2021.

McKinney this season hit .213/.282/.415, split almost evenly between the Brewers (40 games, 100 plate appearances) and Mets (39 games, 102 PA).

He started 20 out of 26 games in late May and early June for the Mets, but with the return of first Michael Conforto and later Brandon Nimmo, McKinney’s playing time waned, starting only four of 19 games before getting designated for assignment last Friday.

McKinney’s provided above-average defense in both right and left field according to Defensive Runs Saved, Total Zone Rating, and Ultimate Zone Rating. He has a total of +1 Outs Above Average in the outfield as a whole, and in the midseason update of the SABR defensive index — which accounts for 25 percent of the Gold Glove Award vote — McKinney ranks sixth among qualified right fielders.

Against right-handed pitchers, McKinney is hitting .220/.288/.440 (95 wRC+) this season, and .235/.301/.448 (98 wRC+) in his career.

He starts in right field for the Dodgers on Thursday against right-hander Anthony DeSclafani. McKinney will wear number 29.

To make roster room for McKinney, outfielder Zach Reks was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City. Reks was recalled on Monday for his third major league stint this season. He played in the first three games of the series against the Giants, starting on Monday, and went 0-for-6 with five strikeouts.

On the season, Reks is 0-for-10 with seven strikeouts.