Dodgers protect lefty reliever Dreyer from Rule 5 Draft

The Dodgers selected lefty reliever Jack Dreyer on Tuesday, adding him to their 40-man roster ahead of the deadline to protect prospects from the Rule 5 Draft.

Dreyer, who was an undrafted signing out of the University of Iowa in 2021, posted a 2.20 ERA between Double-A Tulsa and Triple-A Oklahoma City this season. Across 57 1/3 innings, he struck out 72 hitters while walking only 12.

The Rule 5 Draft takes place each year at the Winter Meetings, with eligible prospects available to be selected by other clubs. Any club that makes a selection must keep that player on its big league roster for the entire season -- otherwise, that player must be offered back to his original club.

By adding Dreyer, the 25-year-old lefty will no longer be available to be selected by other teams during the Rule 5 Draft on Dec. 11 in Dallas. Dreyer will join the club at big league camp, though it’s unlikely he’d crack the Dodgers’ Opening Day bullpen.

Dreyer was Los Angeles' only addition on Tuesday, bringing its 40-man roster to 38 players. Earlier in the day, outfielder Teoscar Hernández declined the Dodgers' qualifying offer, though that move was anticipated, and Hernández has expressed interest in a reunion with L.A.