The Los Angeles Dodgers made several additions prior to the start of 2022 Spring Training, including signing Reyes Moronta to a Minor League contract with a non-roster invitation to big league camp.
Moronta made his MLB debut with the San Francisco Giants in 2017 and appeared in a career-high 69 games the following year. He missed all of the 2020 season while recovering from labrum surgery in his right shoulder and only pitched in four games last year.
Moronta began the 2022 season on the Triple-A Oklahoma City Opening Day roster before joining the Dodgers on April 24 as part of a flurry of roster moves.
He remained on the Dodgers active roster in May and spent much of the year getting recalled and optioned until being designated for assignment when Dustin May was activated off the 60-day injured list on August 20. Moronta was claimed off waivers by the Arizona Diamondbacks four days later.
The right-hander pitched to a 4.18 ERA, 5.11 FIP and 1.14 WHIP over 22 games for the Dodgers. He additionally went 1-0 with two saves, a 2.70 ERA and 1.70 WHIP across 11 appearances with Oklahoma City.
Results were much of the same for Moronta upon joining the Diamondbacks, as he finished the year 2-2 with a 4.50 ERA, 3.25 FIP and 1.50 WHIP in 17 games. He remained on the Diamondbacks active roster for the remainder of the season rather than also spending time with their Triple-A Reno affiliate.
Reyes Moronta 2022 highlight
Although the 29-year-old was an under-the-radar signing, Moronta had stretches of being effective for the Dodgers. One such appearance came June 26 against the Atlanta Braves, when he collected three strikeouts over two scoreless innings of a Dodgers’ 5-3 win at Truist Park.
2023 outlook
Moronta is going through salary arbitration for a second time and despite the decline in fastball velocity and some struggles this year, he could factor into the Diamondbacks’ bullpen in 2023. He does have an option year remaining, which would allow Arizona some flexibility if Moronta would be better suited in spending some time in Triple-A, much like he did with the Dodgers.
Are you following Dodger Blue on Instagram? It’s the best way to see exclusive coverage from games and events, get your questions answered, and more!
