Dodgers Claim Donnie Hart From Orioles, DFA Josh Fields

The Los Angeles Dodgers claimed left-handed reliever Donnie Hart off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles and designated Josh Fields for assignment.

Hart has appeared in 93 games over the past three years in Baltimore with a 3.43 ERA, 4.40 FIP, 1.500 WHIP and 54 strikeouts in 81.1 innings. He struggled last season in 20 games (5.59 ERA in 19.1 innings). The 28-year-old did have a 2.41 ERA in 32 games in Triple-A. In his career, he has fared better against left-handers (.724 OPS vs LH – .787 OPS vs RH).

Also, Hart has an option year remaining.

Fields appears to be on his way out after being acquired in 2016 from the Houston Astros. He appeared in 124 games as a Dodgers, finishing with a 2.61 ERA, 3.89 FIP, 1.040 WHIP and 115 strikeouts in 117.1 innings. The front office must have believed that Fields would not make the Opening Day roster and with him being out of options, the move was made.