With Pedro Baez returning from the disabled list on Friday, the Los Angeles Dodgers needed to make a corresponding roster move, and optioned Josh Fields to Triple-A Oklahoma City. Fields had joined the team on April 7, when Rich Hill was put on the 10-day DL.
“It’s an unfortunate situation,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts of sending Fields down.
Fields appeared in four games during his time with the Dodgers, allowing just one hit and issuing one walk over three innings. He struck out six of 11 batters faced, and had at least one strikeout in three of four appearances.
“Fields is throwing the heck out of the ball,” Roberts said. “But with his usage in the last week, it made sense to option him and get him two or three days of no throwing to reset a little bit. We’ll see Josh here again soon.”
The 31-year-old has yet to appear in a game for Oklahoma City this season. Though, the Dodgers’ top affiliate played only game prior to him being recalled. Last season, Fields appeared in just two games with OKC, going 0-1 and allowing two runs on three hits in two innings.
The Dodgers acquired Fields from the Houston Astros prior to last season’s non-waiver trade deadline in exchange for Minor League first baseman Yordan Alvarez. The right-handed reliever went on to appear in 22 games with Los Angeles, pitching to a 2.79 ERA, 3.61 FIP and 1.45 WHIP.
Fields had a strong showing in four playoff games, allowing one hit and collecting four strikeouts in 2.1 innings.
