The Los Angeles Dodgers designated right-handed reliever Ryan Brasier for assignment on Thursday, according to Robert Murray of FanSided. This was the corresponding roster move that was bound to come when Los Angeles signed free-agent reliever Kirby Yates. The Dodgers, who were forced to make room on the 40-man, now have 10 days to trade Brasier.
Sources: The Los Angeles Dodgers have designated reliever Ryan Brasier for assignment.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) January 31, 2025
Dodgers Designate Ryan Brasier for Assignment
Solid Bullpen Piece
The Dodgers made it clear that they were shopping the veteran reliever shortly after the Yates signing, so this was the expected move. However, in his time with Los Angeles, Brasier acquitted himself well. In 66 2/3 innings, he furnished a 1.89 ERA. His innings were limited last season due to injuries. He is in the final year of this contract and is currently owed $4.5 million going forward.
Postseason Highlights
The Dodgers had only three serviceable starters heading into the postseason. As a result, Brasier saw action in pivotal games. One was as an opener in a designated bullpen game against the San Diego Padres. Had the Dodgers lost that game, they would have been eliminated from the postseason. Braiser was able to hold the Padres scoreless, and the rest is history. It isn’t a bad ending for a pitcher released by the Boston Red Sox in the middle of the 2023 season.
An Upgrade
In Brasier’s place, the Dodgers turn to Kirby Yates, formerly of the Texas Rangers. The right-hander is coming off the best season of his career. The 38-year-old posted an impressive 1.17 ERA while striking out more than 30% of the hitters he faced last year. Yates is only one of three relievers to have multiple seasons of 40 or more saves and feature an ERA lower than 1.25.
Baseball is a game of numbers, and sometimes good numbers still aren’t good enough if teams are in search of bigger goals. Whatever happens in Brasier’s future, his contributions are evidenced by a championship ring on his finger.
Photo Credit: © Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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