LOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers acquired speedy outfielder Esteury Ruiz, who set an American League rookie record with 67 stolen bases in 2023, from the A's in exchange for Minor League right-hander Carlos Duran on Wednesday.
In order to add Ruiz to the 40-man roster, right-hander Kyle Hurt (Tommy John surgery) was transferred to the 60-day IL. Ruiz will report to Triple-A Oklahoma City.
TRADE DETAILS
Dodgers receive: OF Esteury Ruiz
A's receive: RHP Carlos Duran
Ruiz, 26, was designated for assignment by the A's on Sunday. He's a threat when he gets on base because of his game-changing speed, which ranked in the 97th percentile among qualified Major Leaguers in 2023. From '22-24 with the Padres, Brewers and A's, he swiped 73 bags and was caught 19 times.
In his only full big league season, Ruiz slashed .254/.309/.345 with five homers, 47 RBIs and 47 runs scored as a rookie with the A's in 2023. But the A's had a surplus of outfielders on their hands in '24, many of whom had more offensive upside, and Ruiz only appeared in 29 Major League games, also missing time with wrist and knee injuries.
Andy Pages won the Dodgers' starting center field job out of Spring Training, but he's endured a slow start at the plate, going 3-for-22 (.136) with a double and two runs scored entering Wednesday's finale against the Braves. He's struck out nine times against three walks.
Ruiz is not a surefire upgrade at the position offensively or defensively, but he is an intriguing option. His speed gives him impressive range in center field, but his overall defense is more of a mixed bag. He had a respectable two outs above average in 2023, but his -20 defensive runs saved ranked last among qualified Major League outfielders that year.
The 23-year-old Duran, who is 6-foot-7, posted a 3.71 ERA at three levels in the Dodgers' system last year and allowed one run over 4 1/3 innings, striking out eight, in his only start with Triple-A Oklahoma City this year.