Cody Snavely
The Los Angeles Dodgers remained busy yesterday, not only claiming DFA’d left-handed hitting outfielder Taylor Trammell but also acquiring left-handed relief pitcher Nick Ramirez from the New York Yankees for cash considerations, per announcements from both clubs.
The Dodgers made a significant roster adjustment by transferring righty Brusdar Graterol to the 60-day IL, a move that will keep him out of action until late May due to his shoulder injury, a situation that fans should be aware of.
Ramirez, 34, was a surprising cut from the Yankee roster. He tossed 40 2/3 innings last year with an earned run average of 2.66. His 16.3% strikeout rate was on the low side, but his 47.4% ground ball rate was a bit better than average, and his 5.2% walk rate was excellent.
Ramirez had a career ERA of 4.55 coming into last year, with a 9.5% walk rate much closer to average than he did in 2023. But he’s always had good results at Triple-A, having posted a 2.98 ERA in 200 appearances over seven seasons at that level.
However, Ramirez does have one minor league option left, so he does not have to be added to the 26-man roster like Trammell.
The move is no surprise for the Dodgers, who are in a left-handed reliever issue where the only “reliable” left-handed arm to use late in games is Alex Vesia.
The Dodgers, who acquired Vesia during the 2021 season, were very surprised, as he exceeded all expectations, posting a 2.25 ERA, 189 ERA+, and 12.2 K/9 in 40 innings.
However, the last two seasons have not been too kind to Vesia, who has seen all his numbers rise from that dominant 2021 season.
From 2022-2023, Vesia pitched 104 innings with a 3.20 ERA, 131 ERA+, 2.85 FIP, and 12.4 K/9, but with 2023 being the worst, posting an ERA over 4.00.
Vesia is off to a rough start to the 2024 season with a 3.00 ERA with only five strikeouts and four walks.
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