The Los Angeles Dodgers used a franchise record 39 pitchers during the 2021 season, and among them was veteran right-hander Kevin Quackenbush. Prior to this year he had last appeared on a Major League mound in 2018 for the Cincinnati Reds.
Quackenbush joined the Dodgers on a Minor League contract in November of that year and spent the ensuing season with Triple-A Oklahoma City. He had been with the organization’s top affiliate for all of this past season before being called up.
That came on Aug. 7 as the Dodgers selected his contract and placed Darien Núñez on the injured list prior to their game against the L.A. Angels. The 33-year-old previously was added to the 40-man roster in the wake of Chad Wallach being claimed off waivers by the L.A. Angels.
Quackenbush made his only appearance for the Dodgers the following day, retiring just one of four batters faced. He allowed one run and three hits on 20 pitches.
Quackenbush was designated for assignment on Aug. 12 as the corresponding move to the Dodgers recalling Mitch White from Oklahoma City.
The veteran right-hander cleared waivers and accepted an outright assignment to the club’s top affiliate, with whom he remained for the rest of the 2021 season. In 45 games with Oklahoma City, Quackenbush went 1-7 with a 1.65 ERA and 1.31 WHIP over 43.2 innings pitched.
Quackenbush’s 2021 highlight
Although he struggled in his only MLB game this year, Quackenbush was effective early on for Oklahoma City as he opened the 2021 season with 24 consecutive scoreless appearances.
The stretch began on May 8 and concluded July 15. Quackenbush allowed 15 hits, issued 12 walks and collected 26 strikeouts across 24 innings during the span.
2022 outlook
Quackenbush reached free agency at the end of the 2021 season and is free to sign with any team. Unlike MLB free agents, he can reach an agreement with a club during the lockout by virtue of not having been on the 40-man roster.
Given his familiarity with the Dodgers, it wouldn’t be surprising to see L.A. bring back Quackenbush on another Minor League contract, if for nothing more than to bolster their pitching depth.
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