The Los Angeles Dodgers traded pitching prospect Carlos Duran to the Athletics in exchange for Esteury Ruiz, who was recently designated for assignment.
While the Dodgers added significant talent to their roster during the offseason, they still faced some question marks at second base and center field.
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The initial expectation was Tommy Edman would take on an everyday role in center field, but he primarily has played second base since Spring Training. That left Andy Pages, James Outman and Hyeseong Kim vying for time in center field.
Pages wound up securing the starting job in center, with Outman and Kim beginning the season with Triple-A Oklahoma City. Although the Dodgers appear content with Pages, acquiring Ruiz bolsters their depth at the position.
Ruiz was designated for assignment by the A’s on March 30 in a corresponding move to claiming Angel Perdomo off waivers from the Los Angeles Angels. Two weeks prior to that, Ruiz was among several players the A’s optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas.
Ruiz was the the Athletics’ primary center fielder during the 2023 season. However, he only hit .254/.309/.345 with 24 doubles and 47 RBI. Ruiz did lead the American League with 67 stolen bases in 2023.
Despite his success on the basepaths, Ruiz played in just 29 games for Oakland last year.
The Dodgers transferred Kyle Hurt to the 60-day injured list in order to make room for Ruiz on their 40-man roster. Ruiz is reporting to Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Who did Dodgers trade for Esteury Ruiz?
Duran signed with the Dodgers as an international free agent on March 8, 2018. The right-hander made his 2025 debut with Oklahoma City last Saturday, allowing just one run while collecting eight strikeouts over 4.1 innings.
Duran is a career 4-20 with a 4.06 ERA and 1.39 WHIP in 82 Minor League games (79 starts) over parts of six seasons.
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