The offseason for the Los Angeles Dodgers thus far has been centered around their search for Don Mattingly’s replacement, which may come to a conclusion in the next few days, and speculation as to which starting pitcher the club will aim to sign.
Among others, the Dodgers have been linked to Zack Greinke, David Price and most recently, Jordan Zimmermann.
Along with needing to address their starting rotation, the Dodgers have a hole at second base as Howie Kendrick became a free agent at season’s end.
While Los Angeles will assuredly work to fill their needs, likely at the Winter Meetings, it appears team president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman’s first offseason roster move is one that relates to potential organization depth.
According to Chris Cotillo of the SB Nation, the Dodgers signed former Colorado Rockies infielder Charlie Culberson to a Minor League contract with a non-roster invite to Spring Training:
Source: Dodgers sign Charlie Culberson to minor-league deal. NRI to spring training.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) November 21, 2015
Culberson was slowed by a back injury during the spring, placed on the 15-day disabled list and optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque in March. He was then transferred to the 60-day DL on April 12.
The 26-year-old infielder didn’t return until the end of May, though only managed to appear in five games before undergoing season-ending back surgery.
Culberson’s best season with the Rockies came in 2013, when he hit .293/.317/.404, with a .312 wOBA and 79 wRC+ over 47 games. However, he struggled in a role off the bench in 2014.
That season, appearing in 95 games, Culberson hit .195/.253/.290 with 62 strikeouts in 233 plate appearances.
