After a busy deadline day, the Dodgers cleared some space on the 40-man roster by designating left-hander Nick Ramirez and right-hander Gus Varland for assignment. Ramirez has previously been outrighted in his career, so if he clears waivers, he can opt to reject another outright assignment in favor of free agency.
Ramirez came to L.A. in a trade from the Yankees back in early April, and he has a 6.35 ERA over 11 1/3 innings this season amidst several trips back and forth from the majors and Triple-A Oklahoma City. Because he has been recalled the maximum five times from the minors, Ramirez no longer be sent down again without first clearing outright waivers, so the Dodgers may be parting ways entirely by simply pursuing a DFA route.
Over 162 2/3 innings in parts of five Major League seasons, Ramirez has a 4.20 ERA, a 47% grounder rate, 18.5% strikeout rate, and 8.7% walk rate. He has been a pretty durable reliever capable of pitching more than one inning, and his big league tenure was highlighted by a 2.66 ERA over 40 2/3 IP with New York last season.
Varland is in his second MLB season, and he has also been a frequent visitor on the Triple-A shuttle though he hasn’t hit his maximum number of recalls. The righty has made seven appearances and posted a 3.00 ERA in six relief innings for Los Angeles, though with more walks (four) than strikeouts (three) in that small sample size. A member of the Dodgers organization since 2021, Varland briefly went to the Brewers via the Rule 5 Draft in 2023 and he made his big league debut in a Brewers uniform, but Milwaukee returned him to Los Angeles later in the season.
With the trade deadline now passed, either pitcher could have an increased chance at being claimed off waivers, as teams can now no longer freely pursue trades in order to add new arms to their depth charts. Ramirez in particular might have extra appeal as a left-hander, which could make him more apt to elect free agency should he clear waivers.
Ooooh boy, two more DFAs – Brian Cashman is about to heat up!
I like it, clear out those wasted roster spots
I’d be a little surprised if Varland clears. He’s been buried with the Dodgers but has looked ok in his few opportunities. Only 27, too. I’m sure the Dodgers would love to stash him in AAA.
Your right, I like Varland, think he’s got potential. Bet they are bummed having to DFA em. Could see him traded to Tampa Bay n producing.
Angels pick up Ramirez. Need a lefty if Minasian plans to waive veterans again as a cost saving move. I’d bet that Moore is waived and picked up again by a contending club. Ramirez can be plugged right in the bullpen. Ramirez from Katella high school and Fullerton is a fit.
Varland could go to MN with his brother if he drops that far. There’s little chance he makes it to AAA with the Dodgers.