In needing to rely on a franchise record 39 pitches this past season, the Los Angeles Dodgers regularly tapped into their Minor League depth and worked at the fringes of the roster. That process amounted to Yefry Ramirez being among those to make his Dodgers debut this year.
The right-hander was called up Aug. 1 and at the time had gone 3-3 with a 5.49 ERA in 15 games (12 starts) for Triple-A Oklahoma City. He only spent two days with the Dodgers as Ramirez was optioned as the corresponding move to Zach Reks getting recalled from OKC.
However, Ramirez pitched key innings in an appearance against the Arizona Diamondbacks that helped the Dodgers preserve their bullpen. He collected two strikeouts over two scoreless innings to finish out a 13-0 victory at Chase Field.
“I just loved the way he was throwing strikes. He was attacking,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said after the game. “Fastball, slider, changeup. I just met him this morning. For him to go out there and pitch two innings to save some of the guys, I was really proud of him.”
One after getting optioned back to Oklahoma City, Ramirez was designated for assignment in order to clear room on the Dodgers’ 40-man roster for the signing of Cole Hamels. He wound up clearing waivers and was sent outright to Triple-A.
Ramirez finished the 2021 season with OKC, where he went 6-4 with a 5.02 ERA and 1.45 WHIP in 25 games (22 starts).
The 28-year-old had previously spent time up in the Majors with the Baltimore Orioles (2018-19) and Pittsburgh Pirates (2019), going a combined 1-10 with a 6.32 ERA in 30 games (13 starts).
Ramirez’s 2021 highlight
Across three starts for Oklahoma City from June 10-21, Ramirez collected a combined 21 strikeouts over 17 innings pitched and allowed just three earned runs.
2022 outlook
Ramirez was among the Dodgers’ crop of Minor League free agents and presumably is a candidate to re-sign with the organization and continue to serve as Triple-A depth. Although he has MLB experience, Ramirez may be hard-pressed to sign a Major League contract with L.A. or any other club.
Of course, such a signing would not be permitted during the lockout.
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