Ryan Fitzgerald looked solid in limited action as a 31-year-old rookie last season, posting 0.3 bWAR and a .196/.302/.457 (106 OPS+) slash line with four homers and nine RBI. Still, given his limited experience in the big leagues, the Twins decided that designating him for assignment to clear space for corner infielder/outfielder Eric Wagaman, whom the Twins acquired from the Miami Marlins, was in their best interest.
The Twins likely hoped Fitzgerald would clear waivers, but the back-to-back World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers claimed him. Then, four days later, the Dodgers designated Fitzgerald for assignment to clear space for infielder Andy Ibáñez.