Dodgers Cut Ties with 26-Year-Old Pitcher After MLB Debut

The right-hander was a former fourth-round draft pick by the Dodgers.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 10:35pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a baseball pitcher's motion broken down into overlapping geometric shapes in shades of blue and grey, conveying the complexity and difficulty of making it to the big leagues.The Dodgers' decision to part ways with a once-promising pitching prospect reflects the challenges young players face in breaking through to the majors.Chicago Today

The Los Angeles Dodgers have released 26-year-old right-handed pitcher Nick Nastrini, who made his MLB debut with the Chicago White Sox in 2024. Nastrini was originally drafted by the Dodgers in 2021 but was traded to the White Sox in 2023. After struggling with command and posting an 8.56 ERA in Triple-A last season, the Dodgers have decided to part ways with the young pitcher as they look to trim their minor league pitching depth.

Why it matters

The Dodgers are known for their strong player development system, so the decision to release Nastrini after just a few years in their organization suggests he was not progressing as they had hoped. This move highlights the competitive nature of making a major league roster, especially for young pitchers trying to establish themselves.

The details

Nastrini was a fourth-round draft pick by the Dodgers in 2021 but was traded to the Chicago White Sox near the 2023 trade deadline. He made his MLB debut with the White Sox in 2024, making starts in eight of his nine outings, but struggled with command and posted a 8.56 ERA in 47.1 innings at the Triple-A level across three organizations in 2025 before being claimed off waivers by the Marlins and then the Dodgers.

  • Nastrini was drafted by the Dodgers in 2021.
  • He was traded to the White Sox near the 2023 trade deadline.
  • Nastrini made his MLB debut with the White Sox in 2024.
  • He posted an 8.56 ERA in 47.1 innings at Triple-A in 2025.
  • The Dodgers released Nastrini on Thursday, April 9, 2026.

The players

Nick Nastrini

A 26-year-old right-handed pitcher who was originally drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2021 but struggled with command and was released by the team in 2026 after a brief MLB debut with the Chicago White Sox in 2024.

Los Angeles Dodgers

A Major League Baseball team based in Los Angeles, California that is known for its strong player development system.

Chicago White Sox

A Major League Baseball team based in Chicago, Illinois that acquired Nick Nastrini in a trade with the Dodgers in 2023.

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The takeaway

This move by the Dodgers highlights the challenges young pitchers face in establishing themselves at the major league level, as even highly touted prospects like Nastrini can struggle with command and consistency. It also shows the Dodgers' willingness to make tough roster decisions as they look to optimize their minor league pitching depth.