The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired left-handed pitcher Zach Penrod from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for cash considerations. Roki Sasaki was transferred to the 60-day injured list to make room on the Dodgers’ 40-man roster.
Penrod was designated for assignment earlier this week to make room on the 40-man roster after the Red Sox traded Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants for Kyle Harrison, Jordan Hicks, Jose Bello and James Tibbs III.
The 28-year-old has thrown four innings at the MLB level, which all came in 2024 for the Red Sox. He posted a 2.25 ERA as he allowed just one unearned run and struck out three.
However, he also allowed three hits, walked four hitters, hit another and threw a wild pitch. Command has been a major issue for Penrod throughout his career, and the Dodgers are hoping to address that to allow his quality stuff to play up more.
In his four Minor League seasons, Penrod has walked 57 hitters in just 102.1 innings and hit another eight batters. He has also struck out 138 hitters while posting a 4.05 ERA across 37 games.
This season, Penrod made one appearance for the Florida Complex League affiliate, and was 0-1 with a 5.68 ERA in six games (two starts) for Triple-A Worcester.
Penrod began his professional career with the Texas Rangers after going undrafted in 2018 and signing a Minor League contract.
He was released from the Rangers organization in June 2020 and went on to pitch in the Pioneer League (independent baseball) before signing with the Red Sox in August 2023.
Dodgers’ plan for Zach Penrod
Penrod will likely report to Triple-A Oklahoma City and serve as organizational depth while working on his command and potentially any changes the Dodgers want him to make.
It would not be surprising to see him at the Major League level at some point when the Dodgers need a fresh arm or injury replacement, but they already have five left-handers in their bullpen with Tanner Scott, Alex Vesia, Anthony Banda, Jack Dreyer and Justin Wrobleski, which would make it difficult to add another.
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