The Los Angeles Dodgers claimed relief pitcher Casey Fien off waivers from the Minnesota Twins on Saturday. Fien was added to the 40-man roster, with Hyun-Jin Ryu getting transferred to the 60-day disabled list.
Ryu, who is zeroing in on beginning a rehab assignment, now can’t be reinstated until May 24 at the earliest. After a disappointing start to the 2016 season, Fien was placed on waivers on Thursday.
Fien, 32, has a 7.90 ERA, 6.74 FIP and 1.76 WHIP in 14 relief appearances this season. He’s been susceptible to the longball, allowing five home runs in just 13.2 innings pitched.
Although Fien has struggled, his 7.9 strikeouts per nine innings is his highest average since the 2013 season.
Last season, Fien posted a 3.55 ERA, 3.45 FIP and 1.09 WHIP over 62 games (63.1 innings pitched). Minnesota primarily used the right-hander as a setup man from 2013-15, but he’s since been relegated to middle and long relief.
In parts of seven seasons with the Detroit Tigers (2009-10) and Twins (2012-16), Fien owns a 4.05 career ERA, 3.71 FIP, 1.14 WHIP and 7.8 strikeouts per nine innings. He has one option year remaining.
Triple-A Oklahoma City recently lost reliever Sean Burnett, who opted out of his Minor-League deal to sign with the Atlanta Braves.
Given Fien’s Major League experience, it’s plausible he may be a candidate to join the Dodgers. manager Dave Roberts indicated the club has held discussions on calling up Julio Urias as they search for answers to stabilize the bullpen.
It’s also worth noting Yimi Garcia, placed on the 15-day disabled list on April 23 due to right biceps soreness, has yet to pick up a baseball.
