Dodgers Acquire Left-Handed Reliever From New York Yankees
On the same day the Los Angeles Dodgers released left-handed relief pitcher Matt Gage, whom they acquired in a December trade with the New York Yankees, the Dodgers acquired a left-handed relief pitcher from the New York Yankees.
Southpaw Nick Ramirez, 34, had been designated for assignment by the Yankees on March 30 after throwing two innings at the Triple-A level. The Dodgers sent cash considerations to the Yankees in return.
Ramirez made 32 appearances for the Yankees in 2023, striking out 28 batters in 40.2 innings. He finished the season with a career-best 2.66 ERA while recording a save in two chances. The Anaheim Hills native has been in the major leagues for parts of four seasons with Detroit (2019-20), San Diego (2021) and New York (2023), going a combined 7-7 with a 4.04 ERA in 96 games.
Ramirez was originally a fourth-round selection in 2011 draft by the Milwaukee Brewers out of Cal State Fullerton.
In a corresponding roster move, the Dodgers transferred right-handed reliever Brusdar Graterol to the 60-day injured list, effectively ruling him out for the first two months of the season. The move comes as somewhat of a surprise, as the right-hander said he was due to begin throwing off a mound Tuesday.
Graterol reported feeling hip discomfort during his first spring training appearance on March 2, which caused his mechanics to get out of whack and led to shoulder soreness.
Gage, who was on the minor league injured list, did not pitch for the Dodgers this season. He was released in order to make room for outfielder Taylor Trammell.
Photo Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports
A player should never take his major league experience/opportunities for granted. Graterol had all offseason to get himself ready to pitch, then he misses spring training, and now the first two months of a season that he will never get back. Hard lining this a bit, but it looks like Mr. Graterol is a mama’s boy. He needs to man up and be responsible for the money he is being paid and will get paid in the future. A very talented pitcher, but if you don’t take your opportunities, someone else replaces you. That’s the way it goes. Hope he learns from this and comes back with a vengeance.
I know when we traded for him he was a starter. I get the hard stuff plays better in the pen but I wonder if not starting made him lazy in the offseason. I’d be calmer in the late innings with Blake T and Hudson TOTing to EP regardless so better that Brusdar is going on the 60 (for my sanity).