The Los Angeles Dodgers made a change in the bullpen as they recalled Nick Ramirez and optioned Eduardo Salazar to Triple-A prior to their series opener against the Cincinnati Reds.
Ramirez returns for his third stint with the Dodgers. In five games with Los Angeles this season, the 34-year-old has allowed one run in seven innings with two strikeouts.
The Southern California native has been in the Major Leagues parts of five seasons with the Detroit Tigers (2019-20), San Diego Padres (2021), New York Yankees (2023) and Dodgers (2024), going a combined 7-7 with a 3.92 ERA in 100 games. He was originally a fourth-round selection in the 2011 MLB Draft by the Milwaukee Brewers out of Cal State Fullerton.
He was acquired by the Dodgers in early April after being designated for assignment by the Yankees. In 2023, he struck out 28 batters in 40.2 innings, finishing the season with a career-best 2.66 ERA while recording one save in two chances.
Ramirez also limited walks and the long ball incredibly well, so despite his low strikeout rate, he was still able to post a 2.94 FIP.
He joins Alex Vesia and Ryan Yarbrough as the left-handers in the Dodgers’ bullpen.
Dodgers option Eduardo Salazar
The make room on the roster, Salazar was optioned after appearing in one game for L.A. The 26-year-old made his Dodger debut last night, allowing one run in two innings against the Giants.
The Cumana, Venezuela native has pitched for the Reds (2023) and Dodgers (2024) in his Major League career, allowing 12 runs in 14.1 innings with eight strikeouts.
He has pitched in 148 games (83 starts) in his minor league career, going 24-27 with a 4.46 ERA and 444 strikeouts in 502.0 innings. He signed a minor league contract with the Dodgers on November 16, 2023.
He figures to be back with the club again at some point, but both he and Ramirez have been used as depth pieces, rather than significant parts of the bullpen.
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