The Los Angeles Dodgers optioned Michael Petersen to Triple-A Oklahoma City and outrighted Jose Hernandez off their 40-man roster while sending him to the Arizona Complex League Dodgers.
Petersen was last recalled on July 9 in place of Tyler Glasnow when he was put on the 15-day injured list. Since that day, Petersen appeared in three games, throwing 2.1 innings with one earned run allowed, two hits, two strikeouts and two walks.
Overall this season, Petersen has appeared in nine games for the Dodgers, pitching 12 innings with a 4.50 ERA and 1.33 WHIP with eight strikeouts.
Petersen made his MLB debut with the Dodgers in May after signing with them during the offseason as a Minor League free agent. The 31-year-old was originally selected out of Riverside Community College by the Brewers in the 17th round of the 2015 MLB Draft.
Hernandez was acquired by the Dodgers for cash considerations on June 13, with Ryan Brasier being transferred to the 60-day IL to make room on the 40-man roster.
A former Dodgers farmhand, Hernandez became available after getting designated for assignment by the Pittsburgh Pirates.
He was originally signed by the Dodgers in 2016 out of the Dominican Republic and remained part of the organization until getting selected by the Pirates in the 2022 Rule 5 Draft.
Hernandez made the Pirates’ Opening Day roster and MLB debut last year. He went 1-3 with two blown saves, a 4.97 ERA and 1.36 WHIP across 50 relief appearances.
Hernandez began the 2024 season with the Pirates but frequently was optioned and recalled. He appeared in just seven games prior to the trade, going 1-1 with a 3.38 ERA and 1.69 WHIP.
After being outrighted, he no longer takes up a spot on the 40-man roster, but he remained in the organization for the time being.
Dodgers preparing for Joe Kelly
The two Dodgers roster moves were likely made to clear a spot for Joe Kelly, who has been on a Minor League rehab assignment. Kelly was expected to return to the club after the All-Star break.
Petersen being optioned made room on the 26-man roster, while Hernandez being outrighted opened up a 40-man roster spot. Kelly is currently on the 60-day IL, so he would need that 40-man spot to be activated.
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