TEMPE, Ariz. — The Dodgers bolstered their outfield mix by claiming outfielder Jack Suwinski off waivers from the Pirates on Saturday afternoon. To clear a spot on the 40-man roster, utility man Kiké Hernández was placed on the 60-day injured list.
Suwinski, 27, is out of Minor League options, meaning that he must make the Dodgers’ Opening Day roster or be exposed to waivers once again. He may actually have an outside chance at breaking camp with Los Angeles due to his ability to play center field.
Across four big league seasons, all with Pittsburgh, Suwinski combined to slash .199/.305/.389. He brings some potential for pop from the left-hand side, as he hit 26 homers in 144 games in 2023. But he has not matched that level of production since and was designated for assignment by the Pirates on Monday.
Because utility man Tommy Edman will start the year on the injured list, the Dodgers are lacking for center-field depth behind projected starter Andy Pages. They have spoken about getting Hyeseong Kim some reps in center, but he has primarily played the infield in his career. Defensive specialist Michael Siani is also on the 40-man roster, but his bat has not played at the big league level.
That’s where Suwinski has the opportunity to put himself on the map this spring. He’s played more defensive innings in center field (1,529 2/3) than the corner-outfield spots, where he has plenty of experience as well. If he can flash the upside at the plate from earlier in his career during Cactus League play, then perhaps he can make a case for a job with the big league club.
It comes as little surprise that Hernández, who is rehabbing from offseason surgery on his left elbow, was placed on the 60-day IL. The Dodgers have not specified when they expect to get him back, but Hernández said on a podcast that he expects to miss up to two months of the regular season.
