While the Los Angeles Dodgers have reaped the benefits of their organization pitching depth, Yaisel Sierra has been noticeably absent from contributions over the past few seasons.
The Cuban right-hander was a member of the Dodgers’ heralded 2015-16 international signing class saw that the team blow past their allotted signing bonus. Sierra formally signed a six-year, $30 million in February 2016.
He was outrighted to the Minors after clearing waivers that July, removing Sierra from the 40-man roster. After two inconsistent professional seasons, Sierra missed all of the 2018 campaign because of injury.
According to J.P. Hoornstra of the Southern California News Group, the 27-year-old remained in Extended Spring Training as he continues to rehab from the shoulder trouble:
FYI: #Dodgers pitcher Yaisel Sierra is beginning the season in extended spring training. He missed last season with a shoulder injury and is rehabbing his way back. "It's coming along," farm director Will Rhymes said. No timetable
— J.P. Hoornstra (@jphoornstra) April 4, 2019
Sierra went a combined 6-7 with a 5.89 ERA and 1.48 WHIP in 30 games (13 starts) for High-A Rancho Cucamonga and Double-A Tulsa in 2016. While Sierra was removed from the 40-man roster that season, he finished the year pitching for the Drillers.
Sierra was then included on the Drillers’ Opening Day roster for 2017. He went 5-0 with a 2.54 ERA in 26 games for Tulsa, earning a promotion to Triple-A Oklahoma City to close out the season.
Though, Sierra struggled with the Dodgers’ top affiliate, yielding a 4.22 ERA. Upon signing the international pitching prospect, the Dodgers outlined a plan for Sierra to be a starter. But recent indications are he’s been transitioned to the relief role he primarily filled over five seasons in Cuba.
He allowed four earned runs, walked five and struck out five in 3.2 innings during four Cactus League relief appearances this year.
