Dodgers Claim Jack Suwinski Off Waivers as Enrique Hernandez Lands on 60-Day IL

The Dodgers added outfielder Jack Suwinski to their organization in a waiver claim, a development that removes him from the Pirates’ roster and coincided with a move that placed Enrique Hernandez on the 60-day injured list. The claim was first noted at 1: 24PM and was followed by an official announcement at 3: 23PM that included the corresponding roster change.

Dodgers claim Jack Suwinski: timeline and roster mechanics

At 1: 24PM, Robert Murray posted that the Dodgers were claiming outfielder Jack Suwinski off waivers. The claim was officially announced at 3: 23PM, and the announced roster move placed Enrique Hernandez on the 60-day injured list. The Pirates had designated Suwinski for assignment earlier this week to open a 40-man roster spot for Marcell Ozuna, and the waiver transaction resulted in the Pirates losing Suwinski.

Jack Suwinski’s recent performance and history

The 27-year-old Suwinski has struggled over the past two years after a breakout 2023 campaign. He began last season on the big-league roster but didn’t make it through April, ending the year with 59 games played for the Pirates and 56 games at Triple-A. In the minors he produced a 150 wRC+, while in the majors he managed a 55 wRC+ in 178 plate appearances.

Suwinski’s 2023 breakout remains a notable part of his profile: in his first full big-league season he hit 26 home runs and added 13 steals, but that production came alongside a 32% strikeout rate. In his rookie year he hit 19 home runs in 372 plate appearances while striking out at a 30. 6% clip. Across his big-league time he has walked at a 12. 3% rate. His defensive profile includes a cumulative -16 Defensive Runs Saved as a center fielder.

Organizational context: why the Pirates moved on

The Pirates’ roster decisions this offseason reduced Suwinski’s path to playing time. The team added outfielders Jhostynxon Garcia and Jake Mangum in separate trades, and the free agent signing Ryan O’Hearn was noted as potentially spending time on the grass, all factors that made Suwinski a long shot to contribute in Pittsburgh. The addition of Marcell Ozuna also locked up the designated hitter spot, further limiting Suwinski’s chances to make the club.

Where Suwinski fits with the Dodgers

The Dodgers enter the transaction with established everyday outfield roles occupied by Teoscar Hernandez, Andy Pages, and Kyle Tucker. Pages, a right-handed hitter, has been substantially better against left-handed pitching in his career, posting a. 831 OPS versus lefties compared with a. 722 OPS versus righties, which raises the possibility of a platoon look. Still, Pages’ glove makes him hard to remove from the lineup.

Given Suwinski’s defensive numbers and center-field marks, he is unlikely to be an immediate fit there. His most realistic path to the big-league roster is pushing Alex Call for the fourth outfielder role while he looks to rebuild value in a new organization.

Injury note on Enrique Hernandez and timing

Enrique Hernandez underwent surgery in November to repair a torn muscle in his non-throwing arm. It was already known he would be missing at least the first couple of months of the 2026 season. The roster move tied to Suwinski’s claim placed Hernandez on the 60-day injured list.

Fan reaction and uncertainties

Early commentary around the claim highlighted concerns about strikeouts and batting average, with a view that Suwinski’s strikeout totals and an annual batting average close to the Mendoza line could be significant. Some observers pointed to a small set of teams known for helping players rebound and named the Dodgers among them; others suggested the Rays and Brewers as additional clubs with that reputation. Discussion noted Pittsburgh’s lineup context made it easier to pitch around Suwinski and that Los Angeles might provide him with different pitches to hit if he reaches the active roster. One remark criticized Suwinski’s swing-and-miss tendencies in blunt terms; another reminder noted it is hard for a player to get those chances when not on the active roster.

Photo courtesy of Charles LeClaire.