The Los Angeles Dodgers announced JT Chargois was released from the organization in order to facilitate his signing with a team in Japan. The right-hander joined the Dodgers in February 2018 when he was claimed off waivers from the Minnesota Twins.
Chargois went on to appear in 39 games last year, going 2-4 with a 3.34 ERA, 3.87 FIP and 1.27 WHIP. Chargois began this past season with Triple-A Oklahoma City but was recalled in early April as a corresponding move to Hyun-Jin Ryu being placed on the 10-day injured list.
However, his stay with the team was brief as the Dodgers recalled Jaime Schultz two days later and optioned Chargois. That wound up marking a bit of a trend for the 29-year-old.
Chargois finished the year 1-0 with a 6.33 ERA, 4.01 FIP and 1.22 WHIP in 21 games for the Dodgers. In 27 games with Oklahoma City, he compiled a 1-2 record with a 2.76 ERA and 1.32 WHIP across 32.2 innings.
Although Chargois served as organizational depth, he represented a roster decision next season by virtue of being out of Minor League options. Yimi Garcia was in the same situation this year, but despite struggling, remained with the Dodgers before being non-tendered last month and signing with the Miami Marlins.
The Dodgers don’t figure to lack bullpen options and already have one new addition in the form of Blake Treinen. Moreover, president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman regularly will seek out low risk, high reward candidates as Spring Training draws near.
As it currently stands, the Dodgers bullpen figures to feature some combination of Scott Alexander, Pedro Baez, Caleb Ferguson, Dylan Floro, Kenley Jansen, Joe Kelly, Adam Kolarek, Casey Sadler and Treinen.
Even with the likes of Jansen and Kelly struggling, and Alexander being among those lost to injury, the Dodgers bullpen sported a 3.78 ERA this past season — good for fourth-best in the Majors.
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