The Dodgers made a quiet but strategic roster move this week, outrighting utility infielder Ryan Fitzgerald to Triple-A Oklahoma City after he cleared waivers. The move came on the heels of Los Angeles finalizing a one-year deal with Andy Ibáñez, which required a corresponding 40-man roster adjustment. While this transaction may not grab headlines, it reflects the kind of depth-focused planning that’s become a hallmark of the Dodgers' front office.
Fitzgerald, a left-handed hitter with defensive versatility, remains in the organization as a non-roster player. Because he hasn’t previously been outrighted and doesn’t yet have three years of MLB service time, he didn’t have the option to reject the assignment. In fact, this sequence likely played out exactly as the Dodgers anticipated when they claimed him off waivers from Minnesota just a week earlier.
Last season marked Fitzgerald’s long-awaited big league debut at age 31-a testament to his persistence through years in the minors. He appeared in 24 games, hitting just .196, but flashed some pop with four home runs and added a stolen base. While the batting average didn’t stand out, the power in a small sample suggests there’s some upside if he can make more consistent contact.
His performance at Triple-A with the Twins’ affiliate last year was more encouraging. In 245 plate appearances, he posted a strong .277/.367/.469 slash line-numbers that show a good mix of contact, patience, and power. Across five seasons at the Triple-A level, spread across the Red Sox, Royals, and Twins organizations, he’s hit .245/.333/.440-solid production for a player who brings defensive flexibility to the table.
Fitzgerald is expected to get a look in big league camp this spring as a non-roster invitee. While he’s a long shot to break camp with the major league club, his ability to handle multiple infield spots-and even all three outfield positions-makes him a valuable depth piece to keep stashed in the upper minors. Over the past two seasons, he’s primarily been used as an infielder, but his broader defensive résumé gives the Dodgers options if injuries or performance issues arise during the long grind of the season.
Moves like this don’t always make waves, but they’re the kind of under-the-radar decisions that can pay dividends over 162 games. Fitzgerald may not be a headliner, but he’s the type of player who could step in and hold his own if called upon-something the Dodgers have historically valued in building out a deep, flexible roster.