With Justin Turner unsigned and third base still a question, the Dodgers acquired another third baseman Friday, sending left-handed reliever Adam Kolarek and outfielder Cody Thomas to the Oakland Athletics for third baseman Sheldon Neuse and right-handed pitcher Gus Varland.
The Dodgers, however, don’t view Neuse as Turner’s replacement. They’re still in play for Turner. Neuse is instead seen as a depth piece, a right-handed bat they could use after also losing Kiké Hernández this offseason.
Neuse, 26, made his major league debut in 2019 and didn’t appear in a game for the Athletics in 2020.