The Los Angeles Dodgers reinstated Pedro Baez from the 10-day disabled list and optioned Josh Fields to Triple-A Oklahoma City prior to Friday’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Baez joins the team after brief rehab assignment with OKC.
He was struck by a comebacker while throwing a live batting practice session during the early stages of Spring Training and sustained a right-thumb contusion. Baez received treatment and was temporarily shut down to allow swelling to subside.
He resumed throwing but pain persisted, and Baez’s spring was halted a second time. As a result, he never appeared in a Cactus League game.
Over his three appearances with Oklahoma City, Baez allowed a combined two runs, issued one walk and struck out three in three innings pitched. Two of his games were scoreless efforts, with both runs coming April 8, when Baez appeared in back-to-back games for the first time this spring.
There was some initial consideration given to activating Baez from the DL for part of the series against the Chicago Cubs, but good bullpen standing afforded the club the luxury of waiting until their homestand bean.
Last season, Baez ranked second on the Dodgers with 73 appearances. He pitched to a 3.04 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, issued 22 walks and struck out 83 over 74 innings. Baez also set career highs in strikeouts and innings pitched (74), though his walks were the most in three seasons with the Dodgers.
Fields was recalled from Oklahoma City when the Dodgers placed Rich Hill on the 10-day disabled list. Fields threw three scoreless innings across four appearances, allowing just one hit, issuing one walk and recording six strikeouts. He faced 11 batters.
