The Los Angeles Dodgers made a late addition to their relief corps shortly after reporting to Dodger Stadium for the start of Summer Camp last month, signing former All-Star closer AJ Ramos to a one-year contract.
The right-hander was added to the club’s 60-player pool, but did not earn a spot on the Opening Day roster. Instead, he reported to the alternate site at USC and continues to get reps in ahead of a possible promotion to the active roster.
“A.J. is continuing to progress and build up arm strength,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “We’ve been doing a lot of things as far as back-to-back, he’s been throwing a lot, consistently throwing ‘pens, and absolutely if the situation calls for it, we have complete trust in him.”
The 33-year-old missed all of last season while recovering from surgery to repair a torn labrum. Upon signing with the Dodgers in July, Ramos shared a video of himself throwing off a mound with a message indicating he is determined to bounce back.
Ramos last pitched for the New York Mets in 2018, going 2-2 with a 6.41 ERA, 5.19 FIP and 1.63 WHP over 19.2 innings pitched (28 appearances). He was acquired from the Miami Marlins the year before in a midseason trade.
It was with the Marlins that Ramos enjoyed his most success. He was an All-Star in 2016, accumulating a 2.81 ERA and notching the only 40-save campaign of his career. Over parts of six seasons with Miami, Ramos posted a 2.78 ERA, 3.24 FIP and 1.23 WHIP with 99 saves in 325 games.
Jake McGee another late addition finding success
Like Ramos, Jake McGee was another late addition to the Dodgers bullpen. He was signed to a one-year contract in mid-July after unexpectedly being released by the Colorado Rockies.
To say McGee has benefitted being away from the hitter-friendly Coors Field would be an understatement. Entering Tuesday, he has yet to give up a run in nine appearances, allowing just two hits and two walks with 12 strikeouts across 8.2 innings pitched.
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