The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired left-handed pitcher Nick Ramirez from the New York Yankees in exchange for cash considerations. To make room on the 40-man roster, the Dodgers transferred Brusdar Graterol to the 60-day injured list.
Ramirez was designated for assignment on March 30, 2024. He will presumably report to Triple-A Oklahoma City, but he could also be an option for a bullpen that is in need of a left-handed reliever.
The Southern California native made 32 appearances for the Yankees in 2023, striking out 28 batters in 40.2 innings. He also finished the season with a career-best 2.66 ERA while recording one save in two chances.
Ramirez also limited walks and the long ball incredibly well, so despite his low strikeout rate, he was still able to post a 2.94 FIP.
Surprisingly, left-handers hit Ramirez far better than righties did. Lefties hit .308/.357/.462 in 71 plate appearances, while he limited right-handers to a .221/.257/.284 line in 101 plate appearances.
He features a six pitch mix, primarily relying on a sinker, changeup and sweeper. He also occasionally throws a four-seam fastball, slider and knuckle curve.
His velocity is near the bottom of the league with an average of 89.1 mph on his sinker, but he was still able to limit hard contact at a near-elite level.
Ramirez has been in the Major Leagues parts of four seasons with the Detroit Tigers (2019-20), San Diego Padres (2021) and Yankees (2023), going a combined 7-7 with a 4.04 ERA in 96 games while striking out 7.55 hitters per nine and walking 3.27 per nine.
He was originally a fourth round selection in 2011 First Year Player Draft by the Milwaukee Brewers out of Cal State Fullerton.
Dodgers transfer Brusdar Graterol to 60-day injured list
Graterol has been dealing with shoulder discomfort that was caused by a hip issue, and he’s been slow to progress.
Although he has been playing catch, Graterol has yet to throw a bullpen session, so he was still a while away from returning.
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