The Los Angeles Dodgers are calling up outfielder Justin Dean, and they are outrighting outfielder Esteury Ruiz to Triple-A Oklahoma City. To make room on the 40-man roster, they are designating first baseman Luken Baker for assignment. Some consider this promotion a curious move.
Dodgers Call Up Justin Dean, Option Esteury Ruiz
The Dodgers have selected the contract of OF Justin Dean and optioned OF Esteury Ruiz. In order to make room for Dean on the 40-man roster, the Dodgers designated Luken Baker for assignment.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 8, 2025
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First Taste of the Big Leagues
When Justin Dean enters a game, it will be his major league debut. The 28-year-old rookie was a 17th-round pick of the Atlanta Braves in 2018. Dean is not known for his power, but he can run, as evidenced by his 25 stolen bases in Oklahoma City. He can play a good defensive outfield, and the majority of his playing time has come in center. Prior to the 2025 season, he had spent the last seven years in the Braves’ farm system. He signed a minor-league contract with the Dodgers this year.
Dean is hitting .274 with eight home runs. He has made some improvement offensively, as he is swinging at fewer balls outside the strike zone and walking at least 12% of the time. Dean will most likely serve as a pinch runner or defensive replacement in the late innings. In addition to playing center, the rookie has some experience in right field as well.
The Fifth Outfielder
For his part, Esteury Ruiz was also serving as the fifth outfielder on the roster. Ruiz was acquired from the Athletics earlier this season. In limited playing time, Ruiz was hitting a light .190 average with one home run and four stolen bases. He was also a late-inning defensive replacement in the outfield with occasional starts as well.
Are the Dodgers Biding Their Time?
Many view Ruiz and Dean as placeholders on the roster until Kiké Hernández comes back. The Dodger super-utilityman has been out for a while due to an elbow injury. Hernández recently received a cortisone shot, and Los Angeles is hopeful for his return later this season.
Main Photo Credit: © NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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