Kyle

Lobstein

Lobstein has refused an outright minor-league assignment and will search for a new opportunity this offseason. The 32-year-old lefty spent time with the Brewers and Nationals, making three big-league appearances this past season.

The left-hander was designated for assignment earlier in the week, but passed through waivers without being claimed. He’ll continue to serve as minor league pitching depth for the Brewers.

This move clears out a 40-man roster spot for Keston Hiura, who has been activated off the COVID-19 injured list at Triple-A Nashville. Lobstein was acquired from the Nationals in mid-July but did not wind up making an appearance for Milwaukee.

Lobstein was designated for assignment by Washington over the weekend after allowing three earned runs over 1 1/3 innings (three relief appearances) at the MLB level. He’ll serve as organizational depth for Milwaukee.

Lobstein fell victim to a roster crunch as the injury-depleted Nationals needed to clear a 40-man roster spot to promote catcher Jakson Reetz from Triple-A Rochester in the wake of an oblique injury to Yan Gomes. The 31-year-old southpaw will likely remain with the organization if he clears waivers.

While the 31-year-old southpaw has been tremendous at Triple-A this season, he owns a cringe-inducing 20.25 ERA and 3.00 WHIP over 1 1/3 innings in his three appearances with the Nationals this season. He’ll look to get back on track at Triple-A.

Lobstein has reeled off a 1.69 ERA and 25/8 K/BB ratio in 21 1/3 innings at the Triple-A level this year, so he’s earned another shot in the majors with Justin Miller getting the boot. This will be the southpaw’s first stint in the majors since 2016 with the Pirates.

Lobstein last pitched in the major leagues in 2016 with the Pirates and holds a career 5.06 ERA. The 31-year-old left-hander will function as organizational relief depth for Washington leading into the 2021 campaign.

Lobstein signed a minor league deal with the Dodgers in January and struck out four while allowing one earned run over four innings in Cactus League play, but it wasn’t enough for him to break camp with the club. He’s set to serve as organizational depth again in 2020.

It’s a return to the Dodgers’ organization for Lobstein, as he previously pitched in the organization in 2018. He spent last year in the Oakland system, and in 66 1/3 innings he posted a 4.75 ERA at Triple-A Las Vegas. He’ll likely return to the Pacific Coast League again in 2020, this time with Triple-A Oklahoma City.