More roster cuts in Dodgers’ camp: Keibert Ruiz, Dennis Santana, Will Smith

Dennis Santana (Photo: Dustin Nosler)

The Dodgers came up with another round of roster cuts today, and they feature some of the organization’s most prominent prospects.

Optioned

Rios, who made some noise last spring, was kind of fighting it this spring. He went just 4-for-22, but three of those four hits were doubles. He’ll be a fixture in the Oklahoma City lineup for the majority of the season.

Ruiz, the team’s top prospect in most folks’ eyes, went 3-for-16 and really wasn’t expected to break camp with the team. A short trip to Tulsa could follow with an extended stay in OKC is probably how he’ll spend his 2018.

Santana got touched up a bit in his last outing, but he still had a solid showing this spring: 5 2/3 IP, 4 H, 5 R (all earned), 4 BB, 9 K, 2 HR. Knowing the way the Dodgers handle their pitching staff, Santana should get some significant time in LA this season. Until then, it’s off to head the OKC rotation.

Stewart, whose last option was just used (and I’m sure he’s thrilled about that), threw three innings, allowed three hits, one run (earned), three walks and one strikeout. He’ll probably be in the OKC rotation, even if his MLB future is in the bullpen.

Reassigned to minor-league camp

Smith, a guy some thought could crack the Opening Day roster, went 1-for-14 with two walks and three strikeouts. Now, 17 plate appearances don’t mean a whole lot, but after his struggles in OKC late last season, he was always ticketed for the Sooner state.

The Dodgers now have 40 players remaining in camp.

About Dustin Nosler

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Dustin Nosler began writing about the Dodgers in July 2009 at his blog, Feelin' Kinda Blue. He co-hosted a weekly podcast with Jared Massey called Dugout Blues. He was a contributor/editor at The Hardball Times and True Blue LA. He graduated from California State University, Sacramento, with his bachelor’s degree in journalism and a minor in digital media. While at CSUS, he worked for the student-run newspaper The State Hornet for three years, culminating with a 1-year term as editor-in-chief. He resides in Stockton, Calif.