Dodgers News: Andrew Friedman Praises New Addition to Organization

The Dodgers' top exec is a fan of the former first round pick.

On Friday the Dodgers claimed reliever Zack Burdi off waivers from the Tampa Bays Rays. The 28-year-old right-hander has seen some time at the big league level but more fits the mold of minor league depth for LA -- something the team needs after cycling through several arms over the last few weeks.

Dodgers president of baseball operations, Andrew Friedman, spoke a bit about the addition of Burdi to the OC Register on Friday. LA's top exec praised the upside of the minor league journeyman.

“Really good fastball-slider combo. Obviously our pitching depth has been depleted some so it helps reset that depth for us. It’s a talented arm that we feel has a chance at some point this year to help us.”

Burdi was a first round draft pick out of the University of Louisville in 2016 -- the same school and year as Dodgers' catcher Will Smith. He made his MLB debut with the south siders in 2020 before bouncing around the league over the last few years.

After leaving Chicago, the hurler has pitched in the Orioles, Nationals, and now Rays organizations. He's made 18 total MLB appearances over parts of three seasons, posting an 8.44 ERA. He's  allowed 5 runs over 4 innings with the Rays this season. Things have been a bit better for him down in the minor leagues, posting a 4.57 ERA over 128 games.

The injury bug has been biggest issue for Burdi over his career. He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2018 then tore a tendon in his knee in 2019.

If any team could salvage Burdi's career, it would be the Dodgers. However, don't hold your breath on this one.