Dodgers make trade for stolen base machine in deal with Athletics

Oakland Athletics outfielder Esteury Ruiz (1) slides
Oakland Athletics outfielder Esteury Ruiz (1) slides | Stan Szeto-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Dodgers just added a ton of speed to their roster after swinging trade for Athletics' centerfielder Esteury Ruiz. The blazing-fast outfielder was shipped to LA in exchange for right-handed pitcher Carlos Duran and immediately optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City. Right-hander Kyle Hurt was moved to the 60-day IL in order to free up a spot on the Dodgers' 40-man roster.

Ruiz was designated for assignment by the A's a few days back, and the Dodgers swooped in to make a trade. The 26-year-old led the American League in steals during the 2023 season despite a meager .654 OPS. Ruiz swiped 67 bags and was gunned down 13 times.

Dodgers make trade for Esteury Ruiz in deal with Athletics

Ruiz fell on hard times during the A's final season in Oakland. Last year, he hit just .200/.270/.382 before being optioned to the minor leagues. His time there was brief, however, and Ruiz was quickly recalled to the big leagues. Unfortunately, he suffered a wrist injury that shelved him for several months, and then just before the season ended in September, underwent knee surgery.

The Dodgers outfield currently consists of Teoscar Hernandez, Chris Taylor Tommy Edman, Enrique Hernandez, Michael Conforto, and Andy Pages. James Outman is also on the 40-man roster, so it's difficult to see any path for Ruiz to join the major leauge roster at the moment. And even if the Dodgers call him up to the bigs, one has to assume that his role would be that of a pinch runner or late-inning defensive replacement.

Hurt, of course, underwent Tommy John surgery late last season and faces a long road before he'll be ready to rejoin the active roster, which is why he was moved to the 60-day IL. Duran, the 25-year-old righty LA sacrificed in the deal, has a career 4.06 ERA in 82 minor league games and will likely join the A's Triple-A affiliate in Las Vegas.

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