The Dodgers have made a move that has fans and analysts talking. In a surprising turn of events, they've sent outfielder Jack Suwinski to the minors, removing him from the 40-man roster. But was it really unexpected? Let's dive in.
Suwinski, who joined the Dodgers on February 21st after being claimed off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates, hasn't had the chance to showcase his skills in a Cactus League game yet. However, he was making progress in the backfields at Camelback Ranch. A video captured by Dodger Blue shows Suwinski facing Emmet Sheehan in a simulated game, giving us a glimpse of his potential.
Here's where it gets interesting: Suwinski's performance in the last two seasons might have been a factor in this decision. His batting stats took a dip, hitting a combined .169/.271/.297 with a 59 wRC+ in 455 plate appearances in 2024-25, a far cry from his impressive start with the Pirates. And with no options left, the Dodgers had to make a move.
But why did they even take a chance on him? Well, the Dodgers have been playing a strategic game with their roster. They attempted a similar move with catcher Ben Rortvedt and infielder Andy Ibáñez, but both were claimed by other teams. Suwinski, however, made it through to the Dodgers, who are currently 26th in waiver priority. This time, he cleared waivers, allowing the Dodgers to keep him in the organization as outfield depth.
With Suwinski's move, the Dodgers now have 39 players on their 40-man roster. While they might not be in a rush to fill that spot, it opens up possibilities. Imagine if Rortvedt becomes available again or if non-roster players like Santiago Espinal or Cole Irvin impress enough to earn a spot in the next few weeks. The Dodgers are keeping their options open, and that's the beauty of the game.
And this is the part most people miss: roster moves aren't just about the players involved. They're strategic chess moves that can shape a team's future. So, what do you think? Was this a smart move by the Dodgers, or is there more to the story? Share your thoughts below!
