Dodgers Select Carson Fulmer, Place Mitch White On COVID-IL
The Dodgers have some roster moves prior to tonight’s game, including the selection of Carson Fulmer‘s minor league contract. Los Angeles also called up utilityman Zach McKinstry from Triple-A. In corresponding moves, right-hander Mitch White was placed on the COVID-related injury list, and righty Andre Jackson was sent down to Triple-A.
Assuming he makes an appearance for the Dodgers, Fulmer will pitch for his fifth different team in the last four seasons. All told, Fulmer has a 6.41 ERA over 130 2/3 career big league innings from 2016-21, pitching most recently with the Reds last season. Cincinnati claimed Fulmer off waivers from the Pirates during Spring Training, and the righty had a 6.66 ERA in 25 2/3 frames of work before the Reds outrighted him off their 40-man roster in May.
The eighth overall pick of the 2015 draft, Fulmer has yet to live up to the promise of his high selection, struggling in both the majors and at Triple-A. Fulmer has looked generally good with the Dodgers’ Triple-A affiliate this year, posting a 2.31 ERA with a 25% strikeout rate over 11 2/3 relief innings. However, Fulmer also has a 16.7% walk rate, continuing to display the control problems that have plagued much of his pro career.
Dodgers Activate Mookie Betts From 10-Day IL
The Dodgers announced a series of roster moves, most notably the activation of star outfielder Mookie Betts from the 10-day injured list. Right-hander Yefry Ramirez also had his contract selected, with James Sherfy moved to the 60-day IL to open up a 40-man roster space. For the active roster, utilityman Zach McKinstry and right-hander Mitch White were optioned to Triple-A to open up two spots for Betts and Ramirez.
Betts returns after only a minimum 10-day stint on the IL, though he hasn’t appeared in a game since July 19 due to lingering inflammation in his right hip. The Dodgers held Betts out for several games to see if he could eventually return without the need of an IL visit, but it was ultimately decided to officially sideline Betts and give him time to recover.
According to manager Dave Roberts, Betts’ hip problem is one of a few minor injuries that have bothered the former AL MVP for most of the season. Betts’ numbers don’t have the look of a player limited by nagging injuries, as he has hit .270/.374/.502 with 14 home runs over 374 PA this season.
Interestingly, Betts will start at second base in today’s lineup, as part of the team’s plan to keep Betts fresh and healthy by reducing his time in the outfield. It seems likely that Betts will only play at the keystone every once in a while, though he might get more looks at the position until Trea Turner and Gavin Lux are both back from the injured list. Betts was originally drafted as a second baseman by the Red Sox, but was pretty quickly moved to the outfield, and has now won five consecutive Gold Gloves for his excellent defense on the grass.
Ramirez came to Los Angeles on a minor league contract in March, and the righty is looking to make his first MLB appearance since September 2019. Ramirez tossed 89 2/3 innings with the Orioles and Pirates in 2018-19, with a 6.32 ERA over his brief big league career. The 27-year-old signed a minors deal with the Mets in 2020 but didn’t get into any games with New York last year.
Dodgers Select Darien Nunez
The Dodgers announced this morning that they’ve selected the contract of lefty Darien Nunez and optioned right-hander Mitch White to Triple-A Oklahoma City. Their 40-man roster is now full.
Nunez, 28, signed with the Dodgers out of Cuba back in 2018 and has consistently posted solid numbers out of the bullpen as he’s risen through their system. He’s gotten his first experience at both the Double-A and Triple-A levels in 2021, pitching to a combined 2.70 ERA with a 35.3 percent strikeout rate and a 12.6 percent walk rate in 30 innings. Obviously, the Dodgers will hope his control of the strike zone improves — he’s also hit a batter and tossed three wild pitches — but it’s a generally encouraging showing for the lefty.
Nunez has never ranked among the Dodgers’ best prospect, perhaps in part due to his age, but he’ll nevertheless get his first look at the MLB level. Since he’s only just been selected, he’ll be optionable for all of this year and each of the two subsequent seasons, which could make him an up-and-down bit of depth while he looks to establish himself. The Dodgers frequently turn over the edges of their pitching staff — as White, who has now been optioned five times in 2021 aloone, can attest. Nunez will now be part of that churn for the foreseeable future, and he’ll give manager Dave Roberts a third lefty alongside David Price and Garrett Cleavinger while Victor Gonzalez is on the injured list due to plantar fasciitis.