Dodgers add Jack Suwinski after claiming outfielder off waivers
The dodgers claimed outfielder Jack Suwinski off waivers, a move that was officially announced at 3: 23 p. m. ET and accompanied by placing Enrique Hernandez on the 60-day injured list.
Dodgers announce claim; Hernandez to 60-day IL
The claim was made public at 3: 23 p. m. ET, and the corresponding roster move placed Enrique Hernandez on the 60-day injured list. Hernandez underwent surgery in November to repair a torn muscle in his non-throwing arm and was already expected to miss at least the first couple of months of the 2026 season.
How Suwinski landed on waivers
Earlier this week the Pirates designated Jack Suwinski for assignment to open a 40-man roster spot for Marcell Ozuna. At 1: 24 p. m. ET the Dodgers put in the claim that now sends the 27-year-old outfielder to Los Angeles.
A 27-year-old with volatile production
Suwinski, 27, followed a breakout 2023 with two difficult seasons. Last year he began the season on the big-league roster but did not make it through April; he finished the year with 59 games for the Pirates and 56 games at Triple-A. In the minors he posted a 150 wRC+, while at the major-league level he managed a 55 wRC+ in 178 plate appearances.
Track record: power, walks and strikeouts
In 2023 Suwinski hit 26 home runs and added 13 steals but carried a 32% strikeout rate. His rookie season produced 19 home runs in 372 plate appearances with a 30. 6% strikeout rate. Across his big-league time he has walked at a 12. 3% clip. Those figures underline the three-true-outcomes profile that has alternated between power bursts and prolonged slumps.
Roster context in Pittsburgh and Los Angeles
Pittsburgh’s offseason additions — outfielders Jhostynxon Garcia and Jake Mangum in separate trades, plus free-agent signing Ryan O’Hearn expected to spend time on the grass — reduced Suwinski’s path to playing time. The Marcell Ozuna addition also locked up the designated hitter role. The move sends Suwinski to the Dodgers, where he will attempt to rebuild his value in a different organization.
Where Suwinski fits with the Dodgers
Los Angeles already lists Teoscar Hernandez, Andy Pages, and Kyle Tucker as everyday outfielders. Pages has been better against left-handed pitching (. 831 OPS) than right-handed pitching (. 722 OPS) in his career, creating a potential platoon look, but his defense keeps him in the lineup. Suwinski has accumulated -16 Defensive Runs Saved as a center fielder, making a start in that role unlikely; his most realistic path is to push Alex Call for the fourth outfielder spot.
Fan reaction and commentary
Commentary around the move included predictions about Suwinski’s high strikeout totals and batting average hovering near the Mendoza Line, with some voices listing the Dodgers among a short group of teams where a rebound might happen. Other reactions debated whether increased pitch opportunities in Los Angeles would reduce his swing-and-miss tendencies and noted the obstacle of not being on the active roster when chances to hit present themselves.
Photo courtesy of Charles LeClaire, Imagn Images
With Enrique Hernandez on the 60-day injured list and expected to miss at least the first couple of months of the 2026 season, Suwinski will join the Dodgers’ organization and compete for playing time as the club sorts out its fourth outfielder role.
