The Dodgers announced that they have designated infielder/outfielder Ryan Fitzgerald for assignment. That’s the corresponding 40-man move to make their signing of infielder Andy Ibáñez official.
Fitzgerald, 32, has never played for the Dodgers. He was just claimed off waivers from the Twins last week. After years of grinding his way through indy ball and the minor leagues, Minnesota gave him a chance to make his major league debut last year. He stepped to the plate 53 times in 24 games, producing a .196/.302/.457 batting line. He played all four infield spots and flashed 79th percentile sprint speed. He also stepped to the plate 245 times in Triple-A and slashed .277/.367/.469 at that level.
That was enough for the Dodgers to grab him while they had an open roster spot but they have now bumped him off. It’s possible that this was by design. Fitzgerald has less than three years of big league service time and doesn’t have a previous career outright, meaning he wouldn’t have the right to elect free agency if he were passed through waivers unclaimed.
Now that he has been designated for assignment, the Dodgers will have to either trade him or put him back on the waiver wire in the next five days. Given his defensive versatility and solid year with the bat, it’s possible he draws interest from a club in need of some extra depth. If not, the Dodgers will keep him as non-roster depth.
Photo courtesy of Jesse Johnson, Imagn Images
This gives the Tigers a chance to grab him. I like his power numbers, speed, and versatility. Really good addition to a Tiger team that likes players who can play almost anywhere on the diamond. Trivia for you. Only 2 players hit homeruns last year while being in the game as pitchers? Ryan and who else?
Shohei Ohtani, probably
Suddenly opening a roster swap by dropping a guy they just acquired can only mean on thing:,Harrison Bader is on his way!
I thought it was to make room for Ibanez, since the 40 man roster was full when he was signed.
Shocker.
Show stopper
Come back to the Twins maybe they are regretting losing him.
The Marlins love this kind of player
This was my first thought. : ‘ (
SELL!!! THE!!!!! TEAM!!!!!!!
Fun Fact, played in Red Sox and Bruins organizations:
Baseball Transactions with Boston (Red Sox):
2018: Signed a minor league contract with the Red Sox organization.
2019-2023: Played for various Red Sox affiliates (Greenville, Salem, Portland, Worcester), becoming a fan favorite and franchise leader in several categories for the Worcester Red Sox (WooSox).
Late 2023: Elected free agency and was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the minor league phase of the Rule 5 Draft, ending his time with the Red Sox.
Hockey Transactions with Boston (Bruins):
2013: Drafted by the Boston Bruins in the 4th round.
2017: Signed a 2-year NHL/AHL contract with Boston.
2019: Re-signed to a one-year, two-way contract with the Bruins.
2021: Left the Bruins organization to focus on baseball, signing with the Philadelphia Flyers organization in hockey, though he primarily played baseball.
According to Wikipedia, the hockey player is a different person, even though they were both born in 1994.
Thanks for the correction… seemed like he played hockey, just not on the Bruins.
telegram.com/story/sports/mlb/woosox/2021/08/18/ry…
Baby, I was born to DFA.
Well Ryan Fitzpatrick I hope you enjoyed your few short days in the Dodger Organization & Good Luck on your next stop
is he eligible for a ring? : )
No he is not since he was only in the Organization a few days after the Dodgers claimed him on Waivers & then signed Andy Ibanez & then made room for Ibanez by waiving Fitzpatrick
thanks for that. apparently my facetiousness wasn’t palpable enough!