The Los Angeles Dodgers recalled Casey Fien from Triple-A Oklahoma City prior to Tuesday’s game against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Pedro Baez was optioned to Double-A Tulsa to clear room for Fien on the active.
Fien was claimed on waivers from the Minnesota Twins on May 7 and sent outright to Oklahoma City. His stay in Triple-A didn’t last long, as Fien appeared in six games prior to joining the Dodgers on May 28.
He proceeded to pitch in 21 games before landing on the disabled list with in July due to tendinitis in his right elbow. Fien owns a 3.80 ERA, 6.06 FIP and 1.14 WHIP over 23 games with the Dodgers.
In a combined 12 games (two starts) with Oklahoma City, High-A Rancho Cucamonga and Rookie-level Arizona League Dodgers, he was 1-0 with one save, posted a 3.52 ERA, while striking out 20 batters against just two walks.
Pedro Baez went 3-2 with a 3.61 ERA, 4.27 FIP and 1.03 WHIP over 62 games this season. While there have been some bright moments for Baez, he struggled to the tune of a 7.50 ERA over 13 appearances in August.
By sending the right-hander to Tulsa, the Dodgers are able to potentially recall Baez as soon as Sept. 6 — one day after the Drillers’ regular season ends. It’s the same strategy the club utilized when Brock Stewart was sent to the Minors on.
However, if the Drillers reach the postseason, then Baez and Stewart will need to wait the full 10 days to be recalled, unless they were to replace an injured player.
