Right-handers Ryan Meisinger and Kevin Quackenbush have elected for free agency, as per the official transactions page for Triple-A West. The two hurlers had been part of the Dodgers organization, and both had the option of becoming free agents since they have both been outrighted off 40-man rosters more than once in their careers. Los Angeles outrighted both Meisinger and Quackenbush within the last two months.
The Dodgers claimed Meisinger off waivers from the Cubs in August but he never saw any big league action in Dodger Blue, though he did impress at the Triple-A level with an 0.84 ERA over 10 2/3 frames for the Oklahoma City affiliate. Over 40 1/3 combined innings at Triple-A in 2021, Meisinger had a 3.35 ERA and a very impressive 34.6% strikeout rate, but also with an 11.17% walk rate.
Meisinger has had pretty solid numbers in the minors, except with steadily increasing walk and homer rates as he has moved up the ladder, culminating in some rough numbers over his brief big league career. Over 31 career IP with the Orioles, Cardinals, and Cubs, Meisinger has allowed eight homers and issued 19 walks (against 30 strikeouts), resulting in a 7.26 ERA.
Quackenbush signed a minor league deal with L.A. in May and made it to the majors for one game, tossing a third of an inning in the Dodgers’ 8-2 win over the Angels on August 8. This cup of coffee represented Quackenbush’s first MLB action since 2018. A regular in the Padres bullpen from 2014-17, Quackenbush has since bounced around to a few different clubs, including a previous stint in the Dodgers’ farm system in 2019. Like Meisinger, Quackenbush also pitched well at Triple-A this season, posting a 1.65 ERA over 43 2/3 frames of work.
Wouldn’t be surprised to see either of them back with LAD. Obviously they’d both prefer a better opportunity, and will likely they one. But, if not the dodgers would almost certainly invite either one back on an MiLB deal.