Los Angeles Dodgers Acquire History-Making Reliever In Trade

The Los Angeles Dodgers have swung a deal to add an elite high-leverage arm from the Tampa Bay Rays. The only problem is, he likely won't pitch until very late in the 2023 season. 

Right-handed reliever J.P. Feyereisen is headed to the Los Angeles Dodgers in a trade, sources tell ESPN. Heading back to the Tampa Bay Rays is a minor league pitcher.

Rays DFA'd Feyereisen to make room for Zach Eflin. An injury is expected to keep Feyereisen out most of 2023.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 14, 2022

The Rays had shockingly DFA'd J.P. Feyereisen on Tuesday to make room on their roster for recent free agent signing Zach Eflin. Less than a week ago, Feyereisen underwent right shoulder surgery for a “general cleanup of the rotator cuff and labrum.” He isn't expected to resume throwing for four months. The ramp-up from there will keep him out until at least late August. 

When he has been on the mound, the 29-year-old reliever has been lights-out. His 2022 season, up until his shoulder problem developed, was off to a historic start. He posted a 0.00 ERA in 24.1 innings — the most ever for any pitcher without an earned run allowed in an entire season. 

He allowed just one unearned run with 25 strikeouts against only five walks and just seven hits in those 24.1 innings.

The Rays certainly didn't want to let him go, but they already also have Shane Baz and Andrew Kittredge who'll need to go on the 60-day IL, recovering from Tommy John surgeries. They simply couldn't afford to keep another long-term injured pitcher.

In his two years in Tampa, Feyereisen amassed a 1.48 ERA and a 0.98 WHIP with four saves over 61 innings.

The Dodgers send minor league lefty Jeff Belge to the Rays in exchange.

Photo: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports