Pedro

Baez

The 34-year-old hurler inked a minor league deal with the Dodgers in May after he was released by the Astros. His struggles continued at Triple-A Oklahoma City though, where he registered a 14.29 ERA and 2.65 WHIP over 5 2/3 innings. It’s possible that this could be the end of his playing career.

Báez was released by the Astros last month after a disastrous run with them. He’ll return to his original organization where he had plenty of success in hopes of rekindling something. Báez will report to the team’s Arizona Coast League affiliate initially.

Báez was designated for assignment on Tuesday and unsurprisingly passed through waivers unclaimed given the money he’s still owed. The veteran reliever signed a two-year, $12.5 million contract with the Astros before the 2021 season but wound up making just seven total appearances for the club.

Baez signed a two-year, $12.5 million free agent contract with Houston in January 2021, but he has logged just seven total appearances for the Astros while yielding seven runs -- four earned -- in 6 2/3 innings. Seth Martinez has been promoted from Triple-A Sugar Land in a corresponding move.

Unfortunately, Baez’s stuff just hasn’t bounced back this spring after last year’s shoulder problems. The Astros will probably carry him initially and let him try to build up in lopsided games, but if things don’t get better, he might find himself released when the rosters drop from 28 players to 26.

Baez has been out for over a week with a right pectoral strain, but he’s apparently over the ailment. It sounds like he could be ready for activation when eligible or shortly after.

Baez, 33, has has been limited to just four appearances in 2021 because of shoulder problems. The right-hander could return before the season ends, but he’s running out of time.

Baez went back on the IL on August 24, just two weeks after returning from a shoulder issue that cost him the first four months of the season, and he has yet to advance to facing hitters in his latest string of side workouts. The veteran reliever has logged only four total appearances for Houston in 2021.

Baez made it through just four appearances with the Astros before his shoulder began barking again. He never really looked right despite allowing just one run and recording five strikeouts across 4 1/3 innings.

Baez is finally over the shoulder issue that has kept him out all season and will be available out of the Astros’ bullpen on Tuesday night against the Rockies.