The Los Angeles Dodgers officially released right-hander Nick Nastrini on Thursday after a rough outing with Double-A Tulsa.
Nastrini, 26, began his career with the Dodgers after they drafted him in the fourth round in 2021, but spent some time within the Chicago White Sox’s organization in between stints with LA.
The Dodgers traded Nastrini to the White Sox in 2023 as part of the package which landed them Lance Lynn and Joe Kelly, and he remained with them until 2025 before they ultimately released him in the middle of the season.
He made his MLB debut with the White Sox in their historically bad 2024 season, posting a 7.07 ERA through nine appearances, eight of which came as starts. After the White Sox released him, Nastrini spent some time with the Miami Marlins before the Dodgers claimed him off waivers from the Marlins towards the end of 2025.
Jun 8, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Nick Nastrini (43) delivers a pitch against the Boston Red Sox during the first inning at Guaranteed Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY SportsWhy Did the Dodgers Release Nick Nastrini?
Nastrini only made one appearance for the Tulsa Drillers before his release, but they saw everything they needed to see to make their decision. The right hander allowed three walks and a run in his sole appearance in Double-A, and failed to record an out.
The Dodgers had the 26-year-old on a short leash after his rough stretch with Triple-A Oklahoma City to end last year, when he allowed six runs through one inning pitched in three appearances. He didn’t allow a hit in any of those appearances, but walked seven batters.
What Happened to Nick Nastrini?
Before he began struggling in the minors, Nastrini was a promising pitcher within the Dodgers’ organization. He posted a 1.93 ERA in his first professional season across seven starts, then made his way up to Double-A in his first full professional season in 2022.
He had a respectable 4.08 ERA in the minors in 2023, but couldn’t really piece things together afterwards.
Nastrini’s ERA only rose following his move to the White Sox, and his control grew far more errant with an increase in walk rate every season.
Now without a team, Nastrini will look to sign with a team to give himself a shot at making it back to MLB.
Do you think the Dodgers made the right decision?
LA Baseball Report
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