Dodgers' Pedro Baez sent to minors to make room for Caleb Ferguson

PITTSBURGH -- The Los Angeles Dodgers optioned reliever Pedro Baez to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Wednesday to open a spot on the roster for rookie starting pitcher Caleb Ferguson.

Baez is 2-3 with a 3.25 ERA for Los Angeles this season. The 30-year-old Baez has appeared in 28 games for the defending National League champions but has struggled with his command. Baez has allowed 16 walks in 27 innings of work.

Manager Dave Roberts called the decision to send down Baez difficult, adding that while Baez took the news like a professional, he was also upset. Roberts called the move necessary because he wanted to make sure Los Angeles had enough long relievers on the roster with the 21-year-old Ferguson and 22-year-old rookie Dennis Santana scheduled to pitch on Wednesday and Thursday.