The Los Angeles Dodgers signed Ricky Vanasco to a one-year contract for the 2024 season. The right-hander originally joined the organization in June when the Dodgers traded fellow Minor League pitcher Luis Valdez to the Texas Rangers.
Vanasco shortly after was designated for assignment as one of two corresponding moves to Daniel Hudson coming off the 60-day injured list. Vanasco cleared waivers and was sent outright to Triple-A Oklahoma City, where he remained for the rest of the 2023 season.
The 25-year-old elected Minor League free agency earlier this month but is back with the Dodgers on a Major League contract.
In 25 combined appearances for Double-A Tulsa and Oklahoma City this year, Vanasco went 1-4 with two saves, a 1.24 ERA and 42 strikeouts over 29 innings pitched. He also made one start for the Arizona Complex League team prior to reporting to the Drillers.
Vanasco historically was a starter throughout his Minor League career in the Rangers organization, but he exclusively pitched out of the bullpen for the Drillers and OKC Dodgers.
Vanasco was selected by the Rangers in the 15th round of the 2017 MLB Draft. Although Vanasco has yet to make his MLB debut, he spent parts of the past two seasons on a 40-man roster and thus only has one option year remaining.
What Ricky Vanasco signing means for Dodgers 40-man roster
The Dodgers signing Vanasco brings them to 39 players on their 40-man roster. That includes Nick Frasso, Landon Knack and Hunter Feduccia, who were added in order to protect against possibly being taken in the Rule 5 Draft next month.
The signing of Vanasco is the Dodgers’ first transaction of the offseason.
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