In a somewhat unusual – or at least surprising – move, the Dodgers have acquired 33-year-old left-hander Danny Duffy from the Kansas City Royals on a one year deal with an option for 2023 in exchange for cash considerations and the proverbial player-to-be-named-later.

It is unusual in the fact that the Goleta, CA native and third-round draft pick in 2007 by the Royals out of Cabrillo High School in Lompoc, CA probably won’t be available to pitch for at least at least a couple more weeks (or longer), as he’s currently on the 10-day injured list recovering from left flexor tendon surgery this past October.

Duffy, who was actually acquired by the Dodgers last June but designated for assignment without ever taking the mound for the Dodgers, was re-acquired in hopes that he will be a key piece in a potential 2022 postseason run.

“Danny is a guy that was very high up on our list coming into [last] July, but obviously he had the injury setback,” Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman told reporters on Thursday. “Right now, we’re just excited to get him over here and evaluate where he’s at and figure out his progression. We’re not sure, but we really like the arm talent and feel like he can slot in in October and really help us in our pursuit to win a championship.”

From a pure numbers standpoint, it easy to see why Friedman is so high on Duffy, who grew up a Dodgers fan. Although he owns a career 68-68 record and career 3.95 ERA in the 234 games (204 starts) in which he appeared over his 11 Major League seasons with the Royals, he went 4-3 with a 2.51 ERA in his 13 games (12 starts) with 65 strikeouts and 22 walks prior to his 2021 season-ending injury. He is also very highly thought of by his (now) former Royals teammates.

“He was one of my best friends on the team. Incredible teammate, incredible guy, one of the most caring teammates I’ve ever been around,” said Royals All-Star infielder Whit Merrifield. “I’m excited for him to go to L.A., and play for his hometown team. They’re gonna love him over there, and we’re gonna miss him over here.”

As noted, 204 of Duffy’s 234 appearances were starts. And though he will more than likely begin his Dodgers career out of the bullpen, it’s probably safe to say that Friedman sees the 6′-3″/ 205-pound hard-throwing lefty as an eventual starer.

To make room for Duffy on their 40-man roster, the Dodgers placed right-hander Jimmy Nelson on the 60-day injured list.

As he has done so often, Friedman is rolling the dice on Duffy.

As he has also done so often, he usually rolls a winner.

Play Ball!

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