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The Los Angeles Dodgers have optioned outfielder Esteury Ruiz to Triple-A, per the team’s transaction log.
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That appears to confirm the report from Dodgers Daily’s Casey Porter that the team is calling up outfielder Justin Dean ahead of Friday’s series opener against the Toronto Blue Jays.
Ruiz, 26, was acquired by the Dodgers earlier this season via a trade with the Athletics. He appeared in a total of 19 games at the big league level for LA, hitting .190 (4-for-23) with one home run, two RBIs and an OPS of .594. He added four stolen bases.
Ruiz is now back in Triple-A, and will presumably be replaced by another speedy outfielder in Justin Dean.
Dean, 28, is yet to make his MLB debut after being drafted in the 17th round of the 2018 MLB Draft. After spending his entire professional career in the Atlanta Braves organization, Dean joined the Dodgers this past December on a minor league deal.
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In 81 games at Triple-A Oklahoma City this year, Dean slashed .274/.370/.426 with six home runs, 31 RBIs and 25 stolen bases. He’s spent time at all three outfield spots — but mostly centerfield this year — and will take Ruiz’s spot as an end of the bench outfielder and speedster.
Dean will likely remain with the Dodgers until one of their injured position players is able to return. Hyeseong Kim is likely the first to return, with Kiké Hernandez and Tommy Edman still a ways away from getting back.
Photo Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images
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