The Los Angeles Dodgers claimed outfielder Jack Suwinski off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday afternoon in Tempe, Arizona. To make room on the 40-man roster, utility man Kiké Hernández was placed on the 60-day injured list due to offseason elbow surgery. Suwinski, who is out of minor league options, now faces a chance to compete for a spot on the Opening Day roster.
The move addresses the Dodgers' need for outfield depth, particularly in center field, as utility man Tommy Edman begins the season on the injured list. Projected starter Andy Pages is expected to handle center, but options behind him are limited. The team has considered giving infielder Hyeseong Kim some reps there, though his experience is primarily in the infield. Defensive specialist Michael Siani is on the 40-man roster, but his batting has not succeeded at the major league level.
Suwinski, 27, brings versatility and potential power from the left side. Over four seasons with the Pirates, he has a career slash line of .199/.305/.389. In 2023, he hit 26 home runs in 144 games, though his production has declined since. He logged 1,529 2/3 defensive innings in center field, more than in the corners, where he also has experience. Designated for assignment by Pittsburgh on Monday, Suwinski must make the Dodgers' roster or risk waivers again.
Hernández's placement on the 60-day injured list was anticipated. He is recovering from offseason surgery on his left elbow. The Dodgers have not specified a return timeline, but Hernández stated on a podcast that he expects to miss up to two months of the regular season. This transaction bolsters the outfield mix during spring training.