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Dodgers Release Tyler Fitzgerald to Clear 40-Man Spot

The move creates room to add a catcher if Will Smith is placed on the injured list.

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Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Ryan Ward (left), center fielder Andy Pages (44) and right fielder Kyle Tucker (right) celebrate in the outfield after defeating the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • Tyler Fitzgerald was released on Wednesday and will become a free agent once he clears release waivers, according to reporting by The Athletic and other outlets.
  • Los Angeles made the move to free a 40-man roster spot because the team has no minor-league catcher on the 40-man and would need to add one if Will Smith is moved to the injured list.
  • Manager Dave Roberts has said that placing Smith on the 10-day IL is now “more of a possibility,” which prompted the Dodgers to prepare for a rapid roster addition.
  • Fitzgerald’s June placement on the minor-league injured list prevented a routine outright waiver move because MLB rules bar outright waivers for injured minor-league players, so the Dodgers released him to clear the slot.
  • Fitzgerald hit .293/.400/.598 with six home runs in 82 Triple-A at-bats for Oklahoma City and was twice traded this season after a March DFA by San Francisco, highlighting how roster rules and short-term team needs can displace productive depth players.