Dodgers Call Up LHP Darien Nunez From Triple-A Oklahoma City

The Dodgers are going to need some bullpen help this week as they continue to use up their relievers. With only 3 men in the starting rotation, fresh arms are getting harder and harder to come by for Dave Roberts.

To help with that, the Dodgers made a surprise move today. They have called up left-handed pitcher Darien Nunez from Triple-A Oklahoma City. Nunez is 28-years-old and will be making his big league debut when he takes the mound for Los Angeles. 

#Dodgers select the contract of lefty pitcher Darien Nuñez and option Mitch White to Triple-A OKC

— Juan Toribio (@juanctoribio) July 8, 2021

Right-hander Mitch White was optioned back down to AAA.

Our friends over at Dodgers 2080 provided us with some insight on Nunez during the 2020 season. Nunez is a hard-throwing lefty who fled from Cuba back in 2015. He was signed back in 2018 and has spent some time all over the organization. He spent 3 years traveling before he landed in the Dominican Republic to be signed. 

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Nunez has really come alive for the OKC Dodgers in 2021, pitching a combined 30 innings and striking out 42 batters. He has allowed 15 walks which is a trend that has followed him for most of his professional career. 

Nunez was promoted up to Triple-A in May after just 1 appearance with Tulsa. To make room for him on the 40-man roster, the Dodgers designated Yoshi Tsutsugo for assignment. He had been on rehab with the OKC team but hit the 20-day limit allowed for position players. 

To make room for Nunez on the active roster, Scott Alexander was optioned to OKC. That move is more procedural than anything as Alexander was likely unavailable tonight. He will likely remain with the team in a taxi squad capacity until they head home. 

NEXT: LA’s Rotation Down to 3, David Price Now an Option to Start