UPDATE (Jan. 14, 3:45 p.m. PT): The Los Angeles Dodgers officially announced they avoided arbitration with Scott Van Slyke by signing him to a one-year contract.
Over the past few seasons the Los Angeles Dodgers have carried a surplus of outfielders on their active roster. While it at times caused a headache, the depth has also served as a benefit when injuries hit.
Among those who have carved out a role with the club is Scott Van Slyke. The 29 year old can play all three outfielder positions and spell Adrian Gonzalez at first base.
The Dodgers selected Van Slyke in the 14th round of the 2005 draft and he went on to make his Major League debut in 2012, playing in 27 games.
Coming off a season in which ended with some disappoint as Van Slyke was limited by a hand injury down the stretch, he was one of six Dodgers tendered a contract by the deadline last December.
He was then part of the group of players to file for salary arbitration on Tuesday. However, the Dodgers and Van Slyke will avoid arbitration as the two sides agreed to a one-year contract, according to Jon Heyman:
Scott van slyke, dodgers settle at $1.225M
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 14, 2016
Last season the versatile outfielder earned $522,500. Van Slyke was often used against left-handed pitchers against whom he hit .258/.386/.398 with three home runs and 11 RBIs in 114 plate appearances across 52 games.
Overall, he batted .239/.317/.383 in 96 games. The hand injury forced the Dodgers to leave him off their postseason roster. With Chris Hatcher and Van Slyke re-signed, Luis Avilan, Yasmani Grandal, Kenley Jansen and Justin Turner are the remaining Dodgers still eligible for arbitration.
Friday is the day in which players and teams are scheduled to exchange a salary figure for 2016. If an arbitration hearing in needed, they will be held in February in front of a three-person panel.
