The Los Angeles Dodgers traded Justin Bruihl to the Colorado Rockies in exchange for cash considerations on Tuesday. Bruihl was previously designated for assignment on July 28 following the Dodgers’ trade for Lance Lynn and Joe Kelly.
Bruihl has split his 2023 season between the Dodgers and Triple-A Oklahoma City, serving five stints with the Major League team. Because Bruihl used all five Minor League options permitted in a single season, he would’ve needed to go on waivers if the Dodgers recalled him later and then looked to remove the lefty from their active roster.
Bruihl has pitched to a 1-0 record with a 4.07 ERA and 1.32 WHIP in 24.1 innings with 19 strikeouts over 20 appearances this season. Prior to allowing three earned runs in his last outing on July 25 against the Toronto Blue Jays, Bruihl had put together seven consecutive scoreless appearances for the Dodgers, spanning nine innings.
Over 15 appearances for Oklahoma City this year, Bruihl went 5-2 with one save and a 2.04 ERA. He previously pitched for the Dodgers in parts of the 2021 and 2022 seasons as well, posting a career 3.65 ERA across 66.2 innings for L.A.
Bruihl was originally signed by the Dodgers as undrafted free agent in 2017.
The Dodgers had a week to potentially trade Bruihl while he was on waivers after being designated for assignment. If he was to clear waivers, Bruihl could have remained with the Dodgers and be sent outright to the Minors, or released.
Dave Roberts praised Justin Bruihl this year
Bruihl was shuttled between Triple-A and the Dodgers roster due in large part to having Minor League options remaining, but largely remained effective during that time, earning praise from manager Dave Roberts.
“Can’t say enough about him, how he’s handled the elevator and not let it affect performance,” Roberts said in early July. “I think there’s life to the ball now, there’s a confidence there, there’s an edginess. We’re lucky to have him. Very lucky to have him.”
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