As the Los Angeles Dodgers get ever-closer to clinching the National League West with multiple pitchers set to return from the injured list, they released a pair of veteran players with Major League experience this week in Pedro Báez and Tony Wolters.
Báez was originally signed to a Minor League contract in May and he was initially assigned to their Arizona Complex League team. He had previously been designated for assignment by the Houston Astros on April 26 and released after going unclaimed on waivers.
Báez’s second time being released comes after he started an inning in which Triple-A Oklahoma City allowed 17 runs in the frame en route to a 21-4 loss. Báez took the loss after giving up five runs and recording no outs.
The right-hander allowed nine runs in just 5.2 innings during his Triple-A stint, and at the Major League level, he’s allowed six runs in 2.1 innings.
Báez was, of course, a member of the 2020 World Series Dodgers roster, but he has seen his fastball velocity plummet from 95.8 mph in 2019 — his last full season of work — to just 90.4 mph in 2021 and 89.7 mph this year. That largely is attributed to a right shoulder injury.
In his nine-year career, Báez owns a 3.08 ERA with seven of those seasons coming as a member of the Dodgers.
Tony Wolters released after making Dodgers debut
The Dodgers designated Tony Wolters for assignment to activate Austin Barnes from the family emergency list last week and they officially released him after he went unclaimed on waivers.
Wolters appeared in two games, making one start, after getting called up from Triple-A. The veteran catcher went a combined 0-for-4 with three strikeouts during his brief time with L.A.
He originally signed with the Dodgers on a Minor League contract last August to provide catching depth for the organization. That came after getting released from the Chicago Cubs.
Wolters spent the majority of his career with the Colorado Rockies, appearing in 391 games from 2016-20, and he is a career .235/.321/.314 hitter. The Rockies non-tendered him following the 2020 season before he signed with the Cubs.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
