Giants Claim Left-Hander From Dodgers

It's not often that a player goes straight from the Los Angeles Dodgers to the rival San Francisco Giants, or vice-versa. But that's what occurred today, as the Giants claimed left-hander Darien Nunez off waivers from the Dodgers. 

One little caveat, however, is that Nunez just had Tommy John surgery, so he won't be suiting up in The Bay anytime soon. 

Sources: Cuban LHP Darien Nuñez (29) was signed by the San Francisco Giants. Nuñez received the news on Tuesday after finishing his Tommy John surgery, which lasted more than two hours. Despite missing all of 2022, he feels in good spirits. pic.twitter.com/7UKtPWLy3E

— Francys Romero (@francysromeroFR) April 27, 2022

Nunez actually received the news that he was heading up the California coast shortly after his two-hour TJ surgery. He'll be optioned to Triple-A Sacramento, though for now, it's just a formality. His rehab over next the year or so, will take place there. 

The 29-year-old was designated for assignment by the Dodgers just a day after finding out he needed the surgery, so he was surely pleased to awaken afterwards and get the news. 

The Cuban product made his major league debut in LA last season, but it was an inauspicious debut. In 7.2 innings, he surrendered 3 home runs, 8 hits and 7 earned runs. In the minors, however, he displayed a propensity for missing bats at a prolific rate—14.3 K/9. Hopefully, after his long recovery, his arm problems will be behind him, and he can contribute to the Giants bullpen sometime later in 2023. 

Photo Credit:  Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports