While the Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen has dealt with inconsistency from multiple relief pitchers this season, the front office has continued to add to their organizational depth over the past several weeks.
In April, the Dodgers signed William Cuevas to a Minor League contract and assigned him to Triple-A Oklahoma City. The right-hander has made two relief appearances but otherwise started in eight of 10 games with OKC thus far.
In late May, the Dodgers signed Ken Giles to a Minor League deal and he’s been assigned to the Arizona Complex League team that began their season Monday.
More recently, the Dodgers claimed Zack Burdi off waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays but he recently was designated for assignment.
Now the Dodgers have signed Ryan Brasier to a Minor League contract, according to Rob Bradford of WEEI.com:
The 35-year-old pitcher – who was released by the Red Sox on May 21 – confirmed to WEEI.com that he has signed a minor-league deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Brasier was designated for assignment by the Boston Red Sox in the middle of May and released upon clearing waivers. He went 1-0 with one save, a 7.29 ERA, 4.38 FIP and 1.57 WHIP in 20 games for Boston this year.
Brasier made his MLB debut with the Los Angeles Angels in 2013 but didn’t pitch again in the Majors until five years later. Brasier was a key contributor on the 2018 Red Sox World Series team that defeated the Dodgers in five games.
The right-hander appeared in Games 1 and 3, pitching a combined 1.2 innings and allowing one run.
However, Brasier largely struggled after that successful postseason run. He’s 5-8 with nine saves, a 5.11 ERA, 3.98 FIP and 1.35 WHIP in 176 innings pitched over 188 games (one start) since the start of the 2019 season.
Brasier averages nearly 96 mph on his fastball but among other areas, struggled this season in limiting exit velocity and hard contact.
2018 Red Sox on Dodgers
Brasier joins Mookie Betts, J.D. Martinez and J.T. Watkins as members of the 2018 World Series Red Sox who are now with the Dodgers.
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