The San Francisco Giants claimed Darien Núñez off waivers from the Los Angeles Dodgers and optioned him to Triple-A Sacramento. The left-hander was designated for assignment earlier this week in order to make room for Reyes Moronta on the Dodgers’ 40-man roster.
The Dodgers signed Núñez in 2018 and he was among the pitchers to make his MLB debut last year. The Cuban native began the year at the club’s alternate training site and earned a spot on Double-A Tulsa’s Opening Day roster.
After making just one appearance with the Drillers, Núñez received a promotion to Triple-A Oklahoma City. He spent the next two months there before joining the big league team prior to a July 8 matchup against the Miami Marlins.
Núñez wound up appearing in six games (one start) for L.A. last year and began the 2022 Minor League season with OKC. However, the Dodgers’ top Minor League affiliate placed him on the seven-day IL on April 14, and Núñez ultimately underwent season-ending Tommy John surgery.
Núñez was 0-1 with an 8.22 ERA while up with the Dodgers last season, and finished a combined 7-0 with a 2.38 ERA and 0.98 WHIP in 32 games between Tulsa and OKC.
Núñez more recently threw two scoreless innings over a pair of Cactus League appearances in Spring Training this year, then went 1-0 with a 7.71 ERA in three games for OKC.
Núñez helped Dodgers set franchise record
En route to tying a franchise record with 106 wins last season, the Dodgers made more history by using 39 different pitchers, which Núñez was part of.
The mark was technically broken when Justin Bruihl made his MLB debut last August against the L.A. Angels, as he was the 32nd pitcher used by the Dodgers during the 2021 season.
The previous franchise record of 31 pitchers was shared by the 2015, 2016 and 2018 Dodgers teams.
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