The Los Angeles Dodgers recalled Pedro Baez from Double-A Tulsa prior to Tuesday’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Baez was optioned to Tulsa on Aug. 30 when Casey Fien was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Baez is able to rejoin the Dodgers without there being an injury and within the usual 10-day waiting period due to the Drillers’ season concluding Monday. The loophole is one the Dodgers took advantage of when Kenta Maeda was briefly optioned to Rookie-level Arizona League Dodgers.
Baez didn’t appear in any games with the Drillers after being sent down, and didn’t pitch for any Minor League affiliate this season.
In 62 games with the Dodgers, a career high, the power right-hander owns a 3.61 ERA, 4.28 FIP and 1.03 WHIP. His last game action came Aug. 29.
Baez enjoyed a particularly successful July, throwing 14.2 scoreless innings over 13 relief appearances. He had 14 strikeouts to just two walks and held opponents to a .064/.120/.106 batting line over that span.
However, Baez regressed to the mean in August. Opponents hit .347/.411/.653 and Baez allowed one double, one triple and four home runs in just 12 innings pitched.
What’s more, Baez issued six walks and only had 12 strikeouts in 13 games last month, and worked at a languid pace. Manager Dave Roberts said that was a point of discussion with Baez.
Baez gives the Dodgers 33 players on their active roster, 14 of which are relievers when including Bud Norris and Julio Urias.