Dodgers News: Longtime LA Reliever Released from OKC; Future Still Unknown

To say it's truly a blessing to make it to the big leagues is one thing. But being able to stay healthy AND successful for multiple years in any professional sport is even more rare.

For Pedro Baez, he was one of the unlucky ones.

Baez was signed as an international free agent in 2014 by Los Angeles. At the time, he primarily played third base, however, he found success as a right handed pitcher immediately.

As a reliever, Baez boasted a 2.63 ERA in his debut season, allowing 16 hits across his 24 innings pitched. He was key contributor in the team's success for over half a decade before the Dominican Republic native found himself as a free agent following the 2020 World Series Championship season.

Shortly after, the Houston Astros were able to ink a two-year deal with the pitcher, but Baez struggled upon leaving the west coast.

He only had 7 mound appearances in Astros uniform and across his 6.2 innings pitched in 2020 and 2021, he allowed 7 hits, 7 runs (4 earned).

After a rough two years down in Texas between injuries and COVID, the now 34-year-old, was let go. Los Angeles decided to give their former player one more shot as he signed a minor league deal.

He spent some time rehabbing his shoulder in the Dodgers training facility in Arizona and was able to join the Triple-A team in OKC.

But it was not pretty for Baez. Over 7 appearances, he was racked for 9 earned runs and a 14.29 ERA as he struggled with his fastball velocity.

This was a stat from his recent outing on Friday:

The Astros' Triple-A affiliate at Sugar Land had a 17-run sixth inning tonight against the Oklahoma City Dodgers. Pedro Báez, who began this season in the Astros' major league bullpen, started the inning for OKC. He went single, single, walk, double, homer before leaving the game
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) August 20, 2022

It might have been much of a surprise as Saturday it was announced that he was officially let go from the program and so far, there hasn't been much buzz about what's next for the former Dodger.

Looks like Pedro Báez got released. Was on a minor league deal with the Dodgers

Had a 14.29 ERA with Triple-A Oklahoma City, incl. allowing all 5 batters he faced Friday to score.

Shoulder issues for 2 years, his fastball averaged 91 mph in first OKC outing, < 90 in 6 gms since
— Eric Stephen (@ericstephen) August 20, 2022

A few Dodgers fans shared their thoughts about the recent decision on social media:

I agree. He got critical outs in Game 6. He was an effective reliever in 2019 and 2020. He should be celebrated in this town.
— Stephen McEwen (@stevemcewen6) August 21, 2022

People make fun of Pedro Baez but he was a crucial part of the Dodgers’ success in 2018-2020. A lot of important late innings before Jansen took the 9th. They don’t win the World Series without him.
— Sam (@sam_scherer99) August 20, 2022

Despite his recent struggles to make it back to where he was at back in the 2014-2020 era, he will always be a World Series Champion. We wish you luck Baez.