Dodgers Option Fife, Call Up Pedro Baez

Good lord man, what does Paco Rodriguez have to do to get out of Albuquerque? The Dodgers announced they have optioned Stephen Fife back to Albuquerque, and recalled right hander Pedro Baez from Chattanooga. Fife was just needed for that one start on Sunday anyways, and the Dodgers could use some relief help right now.

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher

poses for a portrait during photo day at Camelback Ranch.Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Baez is the 26-year old Dominican born player who was moved from third base to the mound in 2013. Baez was signed by the Dodgers as an amateur free agent in 2007. Baez was hitting just .248, so the Dodgers figured to try him as a pitcher. The reason was because he always had a strong arm. Once he moved to the mound, Baez performed well, pitching in 48 games, and posting a 3.88 ERA.

Baez is 6’2, 230, and has been playing for Chattanooga this year after being promoted from Rancho. Baez has pitched in 11 games this year for the Lookouts, posting a 2.284 ERA, and five saves, and a 1-0 record. He has a career 8.0 Whiff per nine rate in the minors, and a 3.69 ERA. He hasn’t been pitching for very long, so don’t expect a lot from him. He’s been pitching since 2013, and has been still splitting time between the mound and third base.

Baez has been in the Dodger organization since 2007. He’s gradually advanced through the system from the Gulf Coast league, to Ogden, to Great Lakes, up to Inland Empire, and finally Chattanooga. He’s also split some time with Rancho. But that has been mostly as a hitter. Until 2013 that is.

My guess is that he’s only there for a day. Clayton Kershaw is being activated Tuesday. So I would assume he gets sent back down right away. Unless he’s good, than who knows.

What this does tell us is that with all of the recent struggles with the bullpen, the Dodgers are desperate. Oh yeah, desperate times call for desperate measures I guess. You can’t get much more desperate than this. I can smell it.