Dodgers To Claim Jack Suwinski as Enrique Hernandez Lands on 60-Day IL
The dodgers have claimed outfielder Jack Suwinski off waivers, a move that was officially announced in a roster update that also placed Enrique Hernandez on the 60-day injured list. The transaction reshuffles outfield depth for both teams and gives Suwinski a new opportunity after limited recent big-league success.
Dodgers claim Jack Suwinski off waivers
At 1: 24PM a report from Robert Murray noted that the Dodgers are claiming Jack Suwinski off waivers after the Pirates designated him for assignment earlier this week to open a 40-man roster spot for Marcell Ozuna. At 3: 23PM the claim was officially announced, and Enrique Hernandez was placed on the 60-day injured list in the corresponding roster move.
Enrique Hernandez injury and roster implications
Enrique Hernandez underwent surgery in November to repair a torn muscle in his non-throwing arm. It was already known that Hernandez would be missing at least the first couple of months of the 2026 season, and his placement on the 60-day injured list is the roster action tied to Suwinski’s claim.
Why the Pirates let Suwinski go
The Pirates signed Suwinski to a one-year, $1. 25 million deal this offseason to avoid arbitration but opted to designate him for assignment after adding Marcell Ozuna. The Ozuna addition locked up the designated hitter role and helped trigger the move that placed Suwinski on waivers.
Pittsburgh also added outfielders Jhostynxon Garcia and Jake Mangum in separate trades this offseason, and the club signed Ryan O’Hearn as a free agent, potentially limiting Suwinski’s path to playing time. With those additions and Ozuna taking the DH spot, Suwinski became a long shot to contribute with the Pirates.
Jack Suwinski's recent track record and profile
The 27-year-old struggled over the past two seasons after a breakout 2023. In that 2023 season Suwinski hit. 224 with 26 home runs and 74 RBIs, adding 13 stolen bases, but his profile showed heavy swing-and-miss tendencies. He struck out at a 32% rate in 2023 after a rookie year that featured 19 home runs in 372 plate appearances and a 30. 6% strikeout rate. As a big leaguer he has walked at a 12. 3% rate.
Last year’s production dropped sharply: he hit. 182 with nine home runs in 2024, and in the most recent season he hit. 147 with three home runs. He began last season on the big-league roster but didn’t make it through April; he finished with 59 games for the Pirates and 56 games at Triple-A. In Triple-A he produced a 150 wRC+, while at the MLB level he managed a 55 wRC+ in 178 plate appearances. Defensively, Suwinski has a career -16 Defensive Runs Saved as a center fielder, making center a difficult long-term fit.
What this means for the Dodgers' outfield and Suwinski’s path forward
The Dodgers enter the change with an outfield group that lists Teoscar Hernandez, Andy Pages, and Kyle Tucker locked into everyday roles. Pages is a right-handed hitter who has a career split showing stronger production against left-handed pitching (. 831 OPS) than right-handed (. 722 OPS), creating the theoretical possibility of matchup usage. Removing Pages for glove considerations is not simple, and Suwinski’s most realistic opening is competing for the fourth outfielder role—pushing Alex Call for that roster spot—or rebuilding value in the organization.
Observers expect Suwinski to use the change of scenery to try to re-establish his power profile and value. Fan commentary in the wake of the move ran the gamut: some cautioned that strikeouts and a low batting average could remain issues; others pointed to the Dodgers as one of a few teams that might revive a struggling bat and named two other clubs by example. Several comments highlighted how Pittsburgh’s lineup context made it easier for pitchers to pitch around Suwinski, and some expressed optimism that a different environment could yield better pitches to hit. A few voices predicted Suwinski could be redeveloped into a 25-plus home run type if everything clicks.
Next steps and remaining details
The roster move is final and Suwinski will report to his new organization. Pittsburgh will open its 2026 MLB season on March 26 against the New York Mets. The claim and Hernandez’s 60-day injured list placement are clear roster facts; other outcomes—Suwinski’s role with his new club and how quickly he rebounds—remain uncertain and will evolve in the weeks and months ahead.
