Dodgers release former division rival who was tearing it up at Triple-A

In a somewhat surprising move, the Los Angeles Dodgers released infielder Tyler Fitzgerald earlier this week. The former San Francisco Giants second baseman was raking at Triple-A Oklahoma City this season and had compiled a .293 batting average with 24 hits, including seven doubles and six home runs.

Fitzgerald began the season with the Toronto Blue Jays after the Giants traded him in exchange for cash considerations in April. He never suited up for the Blue Jays, however, and was acquired by the Dodgers after being designated for assignment earlier this spring.

The Dodgers' decision to cut ties with Fitzgerald likely has less to do with his performance, and more to do with the latest barrage of injuries — one of which is plaguing the most irreplaceable position on the diamond. The Dodgers recently placed All-Star catcher Will Smith on the 10-day injured list with neck inflammation, leaving Dalton Rushing as the team's only healthy backstop.

With Fitzgerald occupying a slot on the 40-man roster, he became collateral damage when the Dodgers opted to make room for catcher Chuckie Robinson; the corresponding move for Smith’s placement on the IL. Robinson has played in 21 games for OKC this season, and tallied 20 hits with 18 RBI.

Tyler Fitzgerlad's versatility wasn't enough for the Dodgers to keep him

The Dodgers are all too familiar with Fitzgerald’s talent, and he had his best season in 2024, when fans got a glimpse of the pop he could provide if given a full slate of games under his belt. He didn’t eclipse the 100-game mark, but in 96 appearances, clubbed 15 home runs with 19 doubles and 34 RBI.

Fitzgerald has been deployed at every infield position multiple times throughout his Minor League career, and had even played 10 games in left field this season with OKC. With Kiké Hernández out with an oblique straing, one might've assumed that Fitzgerald was just a phone call away if another injury befell one of the Dodgers infielders.

Fitzgerald is a quality utility man, and his services will likely draw suitors league-wide. He has 178 games under his belt (all with San Francisco), and owns a .252/.309/.430 slash line over a three-year span. He has minor league options remaining and is still pre-arbitration eligible. Another organization is bound to take a flier on him.

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