The Los Angeles Dodgers selected the contract of Justin Dean from Triple-A Oklahoma City and designated Luken Baker for assignment prior to their series opener against the Toronto Blue Jays.
To make room on their 26-man roster, the Dodgers optioned Esteury Ruiz to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Thursday, but formally announced the move along with Dean getting called up.
The Dodgers previously claimed Baker off waivers from the St. Louis Cardinals on Aug. 4 and designated Jack Little for assignment. Little was then claimed off waivers by the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Baker only appeared in one game for the Comets, tallying one double in four at-bats and drawing a walk.
The 28-year-old hit .235/.366/.324 with two RBI and three runs scored in 19 games with the Cardinals this season. He played 73 games for the Cardinals from 2023-2025, slashing .206/.317/.338 with four homers, 22 RBI and 15 runs scored.
He has hit 136 homers with 422 RBI in 639 Minor League games while batting .252/.341/.485.
Baker was drafted with the 75th overall pick in the 2018 MLB draft by the Cardinals. Baker made his MLB debut on June 3, 2023.
Justin Dean receiving first opportunity
Dean is on the Dodgers roster for the first time in his career. He was signed to a Minor League contract during the offseason and has enjoyed a productive year with the Comets.
Through 81 games this season, Dean has hit .274/.370/.426 with six home runs, 55 runs, 31 RBI and 25 stolen bases.
The 28-year-old brings plus-defense and elite speed with the ability to play all three outfield spots. That gives him a similar skillset to Esteury Ruiz, who was optioned to Triple-A on Wednesday.
However, Dean can handle center field and has a better glove all-around.
Dean has yet to make his MLB debut since being drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 17th round of the 2018 MLB Draft out of Lenoir-Rhyne University.
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