LOS ANGELES – The Dodgers have been essentially the most energetic group within the league this offseason, however they’re not performed simply but. In reality, with pitchers and catchers reporting on Thursday, this might be a busy week for Los Angeles.
The exercise bought began Monday morning, when the Dodgers put some ultimate touches on their bullpen. First, the membership finalized a commerce that despatched left-hander Caleb Ferguson to the Yankees for left-hander Matt Gage and righty pitching prospect Christian Zazueta Jr.
With Ferguson off to New York, the Dodgers had an open bullpen spot, which they shortly stuffed by agreeing to phrases with veteran right-hander Ryan Brasier on a two-year, $9 million deal, sources informed MLB.com. Incentives may push the whole worth of Brasier’s contract to $13 million. The membership has not confirmed Brasier’s deal.
Ferguson performed an enormous position for the Dodgers final season, posting a 3.43 ERA over 68 appearances (seven begins, all as an opener). The left-hander did, nonetheless, battle in high-leverage conditions and towards lefty hitters.
Brasier, however, was an integral a part of the Dodgers bullpen’s drastic second-half turnaround. After getting reduce by the Purple Sox, Brasier signed a Minor League take care of the Dodgers with hopes of reviving his profession. He was ready to try this, and emphatically.
The 36-year-old right-hander spent a number of weeks at Camelback Ranch engaged on a cutter that might assist him towards left-handed hitting. Brasier succeeded in doing so and was almost untouchable as a Dodger in ‘23.
Brasier made 39 appearances within the common season with Los Angeles and allowed simply three earned runs over 38 2/3 innings. Brasier’s 0.70 ERA with L.A. represented the most effective 39-game stretch of his profession within the Majors.
Now that he’s again within the fold, Brasier will as soon as once more be requested to function one of many Dodgers’ highest-leverage relievers. Evan Phillips and Brusdar Graterol are anticipated to deal with the majority of the eighth- and ninth-inning duties, however the Dodgers even have Joe Kelly and Brasier within the combine.
If there’s one concern with the Dodgers’ bullpen, no less than up so far, it’s the group’s lack of left-handed pitching. With Ferguson and Victor González each traded to the Yankees this offseason, Alex Vesia and Gage are the lone conventional lefty relievers on the 40-man roster. Ryan Yarbrough will even be within the combine, however he will probably be competing for a spot within the rotation and would solely be utilized in multi-inning conditions.
Over the subsequent week, the Dodgers are anticipated to stay busy. A reunion with Kiké Hernández continues to be in play, although it could require the Dodgers to commerce away somebody from their present position-player group. Bringing again Clayton Kershaw can be a precedence if the lefty, a probable first-ballot Corridor of Famer, decides he desires to proceed his profession with the Dodgers.
If Milwaukee decides to take heed to presents on shortstop Willy Adames and/or reliever Devin Williams, the Dodgers will possible be among the many groups .
With the additions of Gage and Brasier, the Dodgers might want to make room on their 40-man roster, which may additionally create another strikes. The Dodgers will have the ability to switch injured pitchers like Dustin Could and Tony Gonsolin to the 60-day injured checklist starting on Thursday, which might clear some room.
Zazueta, 19, pitched in 12 video games for the Dominican Summer season League Yankees final season, making 12 begins and permitting 19 runs in 52 innings whereas putting out 50.
